June 19, 2008
We’re Going to Miss You, Mr. Jones
“Dick Jones, Stevens Point…”
That’s what he said whenever he introduced himself to anyone. Whether it was a friend of many years or a stranger passing on the street, Mr. Jones as I called him, would stop and smile, shake hands and introduce himself.
“Hey there. Dick Jones, Stevens Point…and you?” he’d say, arm extended for that handshake.
He worked at the high school, as a Special Education aid. He always had a smile on his face. He never failed to make his friends laugh, whether it be from a good joke or a playful ape about politics. He loved Irish music, but I think he secretly liked Polkas, even if he never admitted it.
He could talk bullshit with the best of them, and never got angry if you didn’t agree with an opinion. He was just one of those guys who could put a smile on your face with his quirky mannerisms, delightful grin and glimmer in his eye.
Oh how I cried when my father broke the news.
“He had a living will, the team from Madison is coming up for his viable organs, they will be taking him off life support because his chance of recovery is less than 1%.”
I can’t believe I’ll never see Dick again. He was like an uncle to me. I never imagined that when I saw him at the Moose Lodge in April that it would be the last time I’d speak to him.
Memories of our trip to Pulaski Polka Days, just about a year ago, are flooding back. How happy he was just to spend time with his buddy, Frank, my dad. They laughed and joked. They faux fought about politics, Dick being a Democrat and my father a Republican. They discussed the latest happenings at the Moose Lodge and talked about sports and the weather. My eyes weep at the recollection. It’s so heartbreaking.
And then I think of Steve, Dick’s son. I cannot imagine the pain and agony the family is going through. Dear God, please watch over them and be there for them in this time of grief.
How fleeting is this life! It often feels like an eternity, that we have many, many years to live before we grow old — but then suddenly, in the blink of an eye, a life has passed.
This feeling that life is short, it knocks me off my feet, it takes my breath away. One day our hearts are pumping away. Our lungs fill and empty of air. Our minds recall every memory we have created. And then suddenly, quickly, it all vanishes to the great unknown. Even if some of us are blessed to live a century, our lives seem to end too soon.
I find myself wondering what happens after we die. I wonder if Mr. Jones can see us, from wherever he is? Can he feel our hearts breaking? Does he know how much we adored him?
Heavenly Father, I hope so.
Mr. Jones, wherever you are, please know that we will never forget you and we will miss you so very much.
Posted by Dana @ 10:39 pm • I Often Wonder, Life
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June 20th, 2008 at 9:49 am, motherofbun Says:
Am all teary-eyed for you. Am so very sorry to hear of your loss! My heart is with you, your family and his!
motherofbuns last blog post..What do you do when…
June 20th, 2008 at 4:00 pm, Dana Says:
Thanks, Lisa! Your kindness means a lot to me.
June 21st, 2008 at 1:07 am, Headless Mom Says:
So sorry. He obviously meant a lot to you and your family.
Blessings all around.
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June 23rd, 2008 at 9:23 pm, Wifey's House Says:
Sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you, Mr. Jones and his family.
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