Such a rich reflection, and deep tribute. Loved that you not only honored him by relating aspects of his life, but internalized his thinking in reflecting whether to attend. He valued family connection, no matter how scattered and remote. He valued the details of history and their connection with the present. And by taking the risk and showing up, you honored his spirit of connection.
Thank you so much, Kernan! It really did feel like such a clear and easy decision when I thought about it through the lens of how he lived his life. It was a joy to "honor his spirit of connection."
Mary Chris, I love this post. Thank you for sharing John's story and USNA Out. He sounds like a wonderful uncle and human. I wish we could have all known him!
Thank you so much, Brianne! I always looked forward to his emails and his holiday letters-- he lived life so fully and it was inspiring. It was really awesome to spend time learning even more about him last weekend.
Mary Chris! I've been thinking about this newsletter since I read it last night. So well written, so moving, and a really important reminder for all of us.
May we all have UJAYs in our lives! And love the "life's rich pageant." Thanks for the s/o, too :)
Oh wow! That means so much to know it stuck with you. And right- "life's rich pageant" is such a cool phrase?! I'm totally adopting it and will think of John whenever I use it. Thanks for the playlist! I really like Drew Holcomb, and knew that his wife was also a singer/songwriter, but had totally forgotten-- truly a lovely song!
Such a rich reflection, and deep tribute. Loved that you not only honored him by relating aspects of his life, but internalized his thinking in reflecting whether to attend. He valued family connection, no matter how scattered and remote. He valued the details of history and their connection with the present. And by taking the risk and showing up, you honored his spirit of connection.
Thank you so much, Kernan! It really did feel like such a clear and easy decision when I thought about it through the lens of how he lived his life. It was a joy to "honor his spirit of connection."
Mary Chris, I love this post. Thank you for sharing John's story and USNA Out. He sounds like a wonderful uncle and human. I wish we could have all known him!
Thank you so much, Brianne! I always looked forward to his emails and his holiday letters-- he lived life so fully and it was inspiring. It was really awesome to spend time learning even more about him last weekend.
Mary Chris! I've been thinking about this newsletter since I read it last night. So well written, so moving, and a really important reminder for all of us.
May we all have UJAYs in our lives! And love the "life's rich pageant." Thanks for the s/o, too :)
Oh wow! That means so much to know it stuck with you. And right- "life's rich pageant" is such a cool phrase?! I'm totally adopting it and will think of John whenever I use it. Thanks for the playlist! I really like Drew Holcomb, and knew that his wife was also a singer/songwriter, but had totally forgotten-- truly a lovely song!