Remembering

I have not forgotten.  It's still fresh.  Raw and REAL.  I have not forgotten what it felt like when I heard the words.  I have not forgotten what it felt like when I realized your life had stopped and mine would go on.  Without you.  I have not forgotten all the things that raced through my mind when I realized the news was real and I hadn't imagined it.  I have not forgotten the pain that I felt knowing that my life would be forever changed without you in it.

But I remember...

your smile

your laugh

your hugs

your adventure

your courage

your strength

your wisdom

your love

your beauty

your light

your music

your words

your kindness

your generosity

your friendship

your valor

your poetry

I may have been the elder but you were much wiser than I.  You were stronger than I, courageous and braver than I and the beauty of your soul made the sun look dull.  You saw things most people miss, you knew things others will never know and you lived your life in a way that puts most of us to shame.  You loved with all your might which takes remarkable courage.  I loved everything about you and still do.  So today I remember.  I remember your life.  I remember the impact you had on me and the impact you had on so many others.  I remember the love I had for you and still do.  I'm thankful that my life was blessed with you as my brother...  I will never forget.  I will remember you always....  with love and gratitude.  My life was forever changed by you.

Gavin (I LUV U), Savannah (her art on the right) and Me (on the left with birds made from Jon's writings/poetry and my writings to him)

For you, Jon...  I remember you always bro.  With love...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q09_o7KsBj4&feature=share&list=FLgBsqok73nhv5ngPcPOLNbg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=990mPRb3T50&feature=share&list=FLgBsqok73nhv5ngPcPOLNbg

Letting go

Over the last few weeks I have been pondering this thought. A simple concept but at the same time so hard to do. I have given great thought to the magnitude of power those two words have and at the same time the power it has if you don't follow the concept.

So in an effort of letting go....yesterday is yesterday. Today is today. What happened a minute ago happened a minute ago, it can't be changed so let it go. There are too many other wonderous moments to be captured and if you are holding on to something that should be released, let go of it, you may and will miss the moment. It feels good to say goodbye. Take in a deep breath and remember life is too good and you may miss it if you are still holding on to yesterday.

I have learned: (and sometimes forget)


~You can't change people, only yourself.
~People are who they are and it's okay.
~It is what it is-no more, no less.
~Our thoughts are sometimes not our friend. :)
~Our words can damage someone so be careful with your tongue. (I'm still working on this one)
~Beauty happens every second all you have to do is open your eyes.
~Beauty radiates from within not outwardly.
~Most people are good, if you give them a chance.
~Smile when you feel like frowning.
~Be true to yourself so you can be true to others.
~Love yourself so someone else can love you.
~Give thanks for everything.
~Live like today is your last day because it may be.
~Make sure those around you know you love them, you can never tell them enough.
~Give a part of yourself to others they might not have anyone else.
~Be kind.
~Remember to have compassion.
~Say your sorry even if it wasn't your fault.
~Love all people.
~Be respectful of other's beliefs, opinions and views.
~It is better to live harmoniously than in discord.
~Say a prayer for others.

Copyright ~ Whimsical Jewels 2007