Wednesday, August 08, 2012

So we gather again to say our goodbyes and to celebrate a life that each of us will remember in a different way. John Crews had a talent, among many, for finding a way to become almost anything that was asked of him. He started as a boy without a place in the world who became a soldier when his country called; he became a musician and performer when it brought joy to others. He was a teacher and a business creator when he saw the good it could bring to his family, his world, his community – and ultimately he found his place with a family of his own and he found his place with Jo.

He was proud of his military service, and rightfully so. It was a different time and a different nation that called him. It took participation from John and Jo both to make it work but he not only served but served with honor and was decorated for his actions. I think that, more important than the medals or the brave acts in war that earned them was the notion that, when his country called, (as he often said) he was happy to serve. This is a theme that would replay over John’s whole life. Read more

Sunday April 22, 2012

We’re here on Earth Day to bring closure to and celebrate a life on Earth that was well-lived. For me: Grandmother—but also daughter, sister, wife, mother, great-grandmother, aunt and great-aunt and more but in the end all the names still add up to Joelmae.

In April, four years ago almost to the day, I wrote in some notes the random quote: “Can’t be anybody but myself.” I didn’t put where it came from so either she said it, or I just figured she would have.

I also figure that seeing this family and knowing how many other family members and friends are thinking about her fondly today would be pleasing to her. She touched many lives and each one was forever changed by knowing her but she wouldn’t really want the credit, she wouldn’t want to be the center of attention, and she certainly wouldn’t want any fuss so I have to preface all this by apologizing to her because we’re going to do some of that today. Read more

Sullivan made his final request known to the Captain this week, telling him that he had not been screaming, throwing, or hitting and that he would like his coat for being a good boy. He addressed the letter to:

Captain Hook
Boat
Neverland
and signed his own name

Sullivan put the letter in the mailbox and when he woke up in the morning it was gone and the street was filled with a heavy fog. We told him Captain Hook’s Pirate ship must have brought the fog in when they picked up the letter he wrote. So Sullivan rushed off inside to get his bedroom fan to blow the fog away You see he saw Mickey Mouse use this technique on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show and he wanted to try it out by himself.

Well guess the Captain was pleased with his recruit and sent him his coat. Sullivan had to answer some pirate questions then a treasure hunt that led him to a wooden chest filled with pirate booty and THE Captain Hook coat. He put the coat on and ran around the house yelling “I’ll get you Smee”. It was a real special treat that we have on video for folks to enjoy later.

Now he is working on the Captain’s sword and hook which won’t come until Grandpa arrives from PA. But the costume is almost done and Sullivan has worked real hard to earn it 🙂