Thank you so much for sharing your family and your faith with us. As we continue to pray for Shannon’s family we are grateful for your reminding us of what things are most important. May the Lord continue to draw each of you deeper into His love.
The funeral sounds absolutely perfect. My mom didn't want that, so after her death from ALS last year, we had a celebration of life. It wasn't solemn and moving, like Jack's, and the ceremonies are for the living anyway. Still, as humans, it's so important to recognize and place value on the end of a life, whether through celebration or ceremony. I'm very sorry for your loss, but how wonderful to have taken the opportunity to spend all that time with them. That's leaving fewer regrets.
At my mother-in-law's Catholic funeral five years ago, the priest said, "if you mourn today, I say to you 'very good,' for you loved your friend well. If you do not mourn today, I say to you, 'very good' for you have spent your time with your friend well and have fewer regrets."
That is a wonderful gift in our lives: fewer regrets.
Thinking about the intersection of politics and funerals and going out with dignity and grace, this reminds me of Obama's wonderful eulogy for John McCain. We need to get the country back to a place where such eulogies are possible again. Thanks JVL...
Such a great sharing of Jack's story - I appreciate your description of his turning away from then to faith - reported honestly and meaningfully yet without dramatization. This is good. Your analysis and your perspective are why I subscribe.
I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Thank you so much for sharing Jack’s story. When someone’s family gathers around the dying in the final weeks and moments, is that not a beautiful testament and tribute to what they built during their life? On the podcast you talked to AB about “a good death” and I believe AB said she wished everyone could witness one. I agree. My father passed at 96 after six weeks in hospice. He was unafraid and ready even for the two prior years when his health was very good. Even though it was a difficult time, witnessing his journey was a true honor and gift that profoundly altered my view of death.
What a beautiful tribute to your father-in-law, Jack. I was deeply moved by his and your family’s story. His memory is already blessing all of us. Thank you for sharing him with us today.
What a telling contrast between the idiocy of the Trump fanatics and the clueless Republican Party and the graceful ends to the lives of two exceptional people, both I. Their inner journeys and the impact they had on the people and world around them. They are inspirations; the other a mere cautionary tale.
The best thing going forward for Desantis is that he die with his family surrounding him. In his political death he is surrounded by jackals and village idiots. Hopefully on his deathbed he will have learned the difference. I can safely say Trump won't have learned anything.
What a blessing for all when one watches and accompanies a loved one during their last journey and is a part of “a good death.” May his memory be a blessing.
My family and closest did not offer me that experience, but I hope my own end will allow my kids to partake of the peaceful, loving goodbye.
Hey JVL, thanks for sharing your father-in-law’s journey to faith, and your family’s re-locating to NY to be with him. It’s heart-warming to hear he was surrounded with the people he loved these last few years and is now joining the company of the faithful where he’ll be watching over your family and cheering you on as you fight the good fight.
The juxtaposition of JVL's loving tribute to his FIL and family with the shallowness of GOP primary politics makes me sick to my stomach. Dividing the country into political war camps has divided families and friendships across this country. If only people could step away from the money and petty concerns of grievance to see the larger picture... the need for family and friends must override the games of power and grievance.
Jonathan - No doubt you are a terrific person. My condolences to you and your family on losing two wonderful people who were clearly loved and cherished. They were lucky men.
By the way, I recommend to those who read the eulogy written by your wife, that you have a good box of Kleenex near by.
I wanted to also provide a brief comment on the DeSantii discussion. You are probably right that Ron should have waited to 2028. The only issue, though, is, if Trump wins a second term, there may not be an election in 2028.
When I saw the title of this newsletter on Wednesday, I said ugh, too depressing, I'm skipping this one. Today I reminded myself how much, for someone I've never met, JVL has added to my life, and figured I'd probably regret never reading this. I was right; wonderful story, thank you. I'd say condolences, but I get the impression you don't exactly need them, so congrats.
Thank you so much for sharing your family and your faith with us. As we continue to pray for Shannon’s family we are grateful for your reminding us of what things are most important. May the Lord continue to draw each of you deeper into His love.
The funeral sounds absolutely perfect. My mom didn't want that, so after her death from ALS last year, we had a celebration of life. It wasn't solemn and moving, like Jack's, and the ceremonies are for the living anyway. Still, as humans, it's so important to recognize and place value on the end of a life, whether through celebration or ceremony. I'm very sorry for your loss, but how wonderful to have taken the opportunity to spend all that time with them. That's leaving fewer regrets.
At my mother-in-law's Catholic funeral five years ago, the priest said, "if you mourn today, I say to you 'very good,' for you loved your friend well. If you do not mourn today, I say to you, 'very good' for you have spent your time with your friend well and have fewer regrets."
That is a wonderful gift in our lives: fewer regrets.
Thinking about the intersection of politics and funerals and going out with dignity and grace, this reminds me of Obama's wonderful eulogy for John McCain. We need to get the country back to a place where such eulogies are possible again. Thanks JVL...
Great essay.
Thank you. Welcome back.
Such a great sharing of Jack's story - I appreciate your description of his turning away from then to faith - reported honestly and meaningfully yet without dramatization. This is good. Your analysis and your perspective are why I subscribe.
I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. Thank you so much for sharing Jack’s story. When someone’s family gathers around the dying in the final weeks and moments, is that not a beautiful testament and tribute to what they built during their life? On the podcast you talked to AB about “a good death” and I believe AB said she wished everyone could witness one. I agree. My father passed at 96 after six weeks in hospice. He was unafraid and ready even for the two prior years when his health was very good. Even though it was a difficult time, witnessing his journey was a true honor and gift that profoundly altered my view of death.
What a beautiful tribute to your father-in-law, Jack. I was deeply moved by his and your family’s story. His memory is already blessing all of us. Thank you for sharing him with us today.
Jonathan,
What a telling contrast between the idiocy of the Trump fanatics and the clueless Republican Party and the graceful ends to the lives of two exceptional people, both I. Their inner journeys and the impact they had on the people and world around them. They are inspirations; the other a mere cautionary tale.
Tom Cannon
Asheville, NC
The best thing going forward for Desantis is that he die with his family surrounding him. In his political death he is surrounded by jackals and village idiots. Hopefully on his deathbed he will have learned the difference. I can safely say Trump won't have learned anything.
What a blessing for all when one watches and accompanies a loved one during their last journey and is a part of “a good death.” May his memory be a blessing.
My family and closest did not offer me that experience, but I hope my own end will allow my kids to partake of the peaceful, loving goodbye.
"...but they are not in tension."
There is depth in that.
Hey JVL, thanks for sharing your father-in-law’s journey to faith, and your family’s re-locating to NY to be with him. It’s heart-warming to hear he was surrounded with the people he loved these last few years and is now joining the company of the faithful where he’ll be watching over your family and cheering you on as you fight the good fight.
The juxtaposition of JVL's loving tribute to his FIL and family with the shallowness of GOP primary politics makes me sick to my stomach. Dividing the country into political war camps has divided families and friendships across this country. If only people could step away from the money and petty concerns of grievance to see the larger picture... the need for family and friends must override the games of power and grievance.
Jonathan - No doubt you are a terrific person. My condolences to you and your family on losing two wonderful people who were clearly loved and cherished. They were lucky men.
By the way, I recommend to those who read the eulogy written by your wife, that you have a good box of Kleenex near by.
I wanted to also provide a brief comment on the DeSantii discussion. You are probably right that Ron should have waited to 2028. The only issue, though, is, if Trump wins a second term, there may not be an election in 2028.
When I saw the title of this newsletter on Wednesday, I said ugh, too depressing, I'm skipping this one. Today I reminded myself how much, for someone I've never met, JVL has added to my life, and figured I'd probably regret never reading this. I was right; wonderful story, thank you. I'd say condolences, but I get the impression you don't exactly need them, so congrats.