Julie posted a condolence
Monday, October 6, 2008
Dearest Johnny,
Time for another birthday. It is unbelieveable that we have had 4 birthdays without you here. So sad for us, so joyful for you. And now, this year, you have our Dear Dad with you! Lucky You! I hope the two of you have a wonderful time together, Dad missed you so. It's not easier without you . . . but we know you are free, and so brave. Love you, Johnny, always and forever. I am attaching the poem that Melissie sent to you last year, but then it go lost in a computer glitch. Do you see all that is going on with her? Graduation, and now she is engaged. I know you love Ryan, and I know in my heart of hearts that you are watching over them. Please ask Jesus to keep them in His merciful care. For now, we wish you Birthday Joy, here comes the poem, and I will talk to you later, Love Julie
Wild Geese - Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting —
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.
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My brother then, my brother always, free, on a painted sky.
