I am the youngest of six children. The third was the only boy. He was 10 years older than me and I used to walk around with him holding onto his pinkie finger. Every time he would introduce me to one of his friends he told them that story. His name was John Paul and he died three years ago today. I was 7 months pregnant with Mallina. It was one of the hardest days of my life. We spent 4 days in his hospice room as a family, trying to comfort him and one another. I was so grateful that when we got there he was still aware of what was going on. I hadn't seen him for two years. It was the first time he had met my husband who actually made John laugh out loud. He had a great sounding laugh and was seriously one of the funniest people you could ever meet. He loved imitating crazy movie characters and could do them dead on. While sitting in the hospice with him, he dozed while rubbing my pregnant belly, a touch I can’t ever forget. He really loved his nieces and nephews and I’m sad my girls didn’t get to know Uncle John. He was a gorgeous child and such a handsome man; I’ll never understand why the only boy in the family got the most gorgeous eyes out of the bunch. I lived so far away from him most of my life and I’m sad that I don’t have a ton of memories with him from my adult life, but the memories I do have are mostly of fun times. He came to both of my graduations in Hawaii and who couldn’t have a good time over there! Today my sister Jenny took me to this beautiful garden where there is a bench and a plaque in memory of my big brother. It is a beautiful place and I’m so glad I took my girls there today. I took some pictures of it, my dad and sister Julie haven’t been able to go there, so this is for them. I know we are all thinking about him today, as well as each other. I love you guys and am so happy to be part of our family! I wish I had more digital pictures of him, but here is one I’ve scanned of dad and JP. (Yes you will be getting copy ;) You can click on the pictures to see them larger.
And the rest are of the memorial. This is visible right as you drive up and park. I was surprised at how big and noticeable the bench was!
This reads: This Christmas Box Angel is a place of love and healing for those who have been touched by the death of a child. We invite you to leave a white flower at its base.
I love that my name is next to his. Well, not exactly my name, but you know.
