You Don't Know Jack...

A little different post this week, inspired by the Celebration of Life for my cousin’s late husband this past weekend. Most of you don’t know Jack, but we did and he was one of those rare really special people who makes the lives of those around him better.

This gathering was a long time coming due to Covid, but in a way that delay allowed for a much greater tribute to Jack’s life. Family and friends had 17 months to grieve and come to terms with his passing, which created a much lighter atmosphere; a true celebration of his life. With the sun shining down on us, we filled my cousin’s back yard and spilled into neighbor’s yards. A brief service started the day – Jack’s day – and reminded us of the connections we all share.

Following that, my cousin presented a good-natured “roast” of some of Jack’s strongest traits. She told stories illustrating each trait as we nodded, laughed, and cried, in agreement with how she missed them. Then friends and family shared their “Jack stories” and again we nodded, laughed, and cried at the fond memories expressed so vividly and eloquently.

Seeing family who came in from all over the country, meeting neighbors who go above and beyond supporting my cousin and this event, and being part of the crowd brought together by one man’s legacy of caring and love was a wonderful experience, and truly humbling.

We laughed, we cried, we re-connected, and we shared stories, as we celebrated a life well lived. Thank you Jack for making the lives of all who knew you better.