Anyone who knows “Pete” must be curious about the timing of her departure. Not to be outdone by Anna Nichole—or anyone else, for that matter—JoAnn has once again done what she does best: she has put our priorities back in order. Joseph R. Sizoo quite uncannily captures the spirit of that life force which today has moved on:
Let it never be forgotten that glamour is not greatness; praise is not fame; noise is not influence; prominence is not eminence. The man of the hour is not apt to be the man of the ages. A stone may sparkle, but that does not make it a diamond; a man may have money, but that does not make him a success; a student may be clever, but that does not make him a philosopher. It is what the unimportant do that really counts and determines the course of history.
The greatest forces in the universe are never spectacular. Summer showers are more effective than hurricanes, but they get no publicity. The world would soon die but for the fidelity, loyalty, and consecration of those whose names are unhonored and unsung.
There is, therefore, no life, however humble, but may take its place in the building of a braver and better tomorrow. It is easy to exaggerate the importance of the unimportant and to underestimate the importance of the unimportant.
How do we begin to remember, and more importantly, to honor, one who has taught so many great lessons about life simply by the living of her own? I gave my word to “Pete” that her death will be celebrated, not mourned. So, while it is true that we are feeling a huge absence right now it is only because “Pete” occupied such an enormous place in this existential plane we call life. There is never any question of when JoAnn is in the room, and that is no less true right now than it has ever been. Our lives are the richer for knowing her. And while the nature of our relationship has changed significantly it does not mean that we will not continue to be enriched by it. Her raspy cackle will forever ring in our ears.
Dear Mark,
ReplyDeleteTamara and I were touched by your remarks regarding your dear friend, JoAnn. It is ironic that the people that touch our lives generally pass unnoticed by the world, and yet have such a profound effect on our own lives.
Last year our congregation lost three such people, Ed Kane, Larry Stevens, and Ed Grampp. These men loved their wives, raised fine children, supported their families, gave freely of their time in the service of their God and community, and were grateful for the opportunities and blessings they had so abundantly received. Even though we are confident in an eternal life, their absence still leaves a void.
This morning in church a group of the primary children (ages 6-11) sang several songs about the Savior. As we listened to their sweet voices and saw the joy in their eyes as they sang of their love for Him, we were grateful for parents that teach their children the gospel. These youth are the hope that fills the void left by the Larry’s Ed’s and JoAnn’s of this world.
Although it has been almost two years since TJ’s passing, we are blessed daily with the memories of his sweet spirit, his love for life, and most importantly his love for His Savior. Knowing where he is and what he is doing gives us great comfort. As we look at his pictures that adorn our home, we are reminded that the same wonderful smile, the light in his eyes, and his testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ as the Savior of mankind continues to bless the lives of those he was called to teach.
May your knowledge of the eternal nature of our lives bring you peace until that day when you are reunited with your dear friend and once again enjoy her fellowship and laughter.
Fondly,
Steve and Tamara