Our time here on life's stage is not known beforehand, but it is certain that we shall all eventually leave it. Meanwhile, at 72 years of age I have already seen (or more commonly, learned of) the passing of many of my peers. I have concluded that my focus should not be so much on the quantity of my years, but rather the quality, as measured by friends, people helped and comforted, striving to set a good example, and seeking always for greater light and knowledge.
However, each time I learn of another friend or acquaintance who just left the stage, it always causes a moment of reflection and memory.
I’m the little sister in your story. Thank you for writing this beautiful piece! Jo was also a gifted writer. It was lovely to read this and know she’d touched your life. Took me back to school years with some of your descriptions! I’m very grateful Mattie shared this with me. Jo is at peace now. Thank you again!
Hi Laura, thank you for your kind words. I’m not at all surprised to learn your sister was a gifted writer. Seems she took us both back to those school years, which appear now as from another life. May she rest in peace.
Your beloved Johanna I only knew for the briefest of moments, in what now seems like another life, but she is part of a story that reaches around the world. My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
All life has a difficult beginning and, ultimately, and end. Unfortunately her life was too short. It was a beautiful story, a fond memory and it left my eyes a little blurry. May she rest, with our Creator, in eternal peace.
At my point in life I occasionally reminisce, not frequently, or sadly, just recognizing the passage of time. Your piece captured the brevity of our lives, so well.
I wrote for a number of years...bad lines in songs, movie scripts yet unproduced, short stories way too long. I never wanted to be a writer or had the passion required.
What a touching story. Although I could never know Joanna C., I felt an intense sadness welling up inside my chest as I learned of her fate. Just last week, the name of a childhood friend from 1959 came to mind for some reason. I did an online search for his name and the first thing that popped up was a photo of him proudly wearing his military uniform and an accompanying obituary from just a couple months ago. I experience similar revelations more frequently with passing time. Eventually, I might be the object of some old childhood friend’s search, only to discover my death. What a sobering thought.
Joel, I have lived this life twice with two ladies, one a friend and one I loved. The pain is real even though the memories are false, only because the reality didn’t match my memories . The pain, however, was real. Fortunately, maturity helps to make me realize that the pain is unwarranted and only in my mind. As we grow old, we learn that the longer we live the more we will be faced with this experience. That maturity enables me to accept the enviability of death and the need to recognize that the experience of enjoying their time with me was the joy we seek.
Beautifully written. You are a gifted and polished wordsmith. I look forward to reading anytime I see your name as the author. Your acute perceptions, empathetic heart and awareness of the truly valuable aspects of a cognizant life are exceptional. You and your wife Anya give me hope in humanity as you are two of its finest representatives.
Joel, I can't even begin to say or spell out all the wide range of emotions that this story has triggered in me. Not all things are similar but the emotions of young love, before one is old enough to marry, is a subject for a different book. But for all the flings and brief loves, one ends up marrying someone completely different. Life is that way. I'm 63, been married only once, and for the last 31 yrs. But I remember those emotions....... even tho some are many years ago. I too, have pondered all the paths that my school mates have chosen, some have already passed on, others, I don't know where they are, only a few, do I know where they are and have had contact in the recent years. You have such an excellent way to write and so interesting. Love your style. Keep it up! I "feel" for the little boy in you.... As the Psalmist says: Life is truly short. But a vapor. May God bless your work.
Our time here on life's stage is not known beforehand, but it is certain that we shall all eventually leave it. Meanwhile, at 72 years of age I have already seen (or more commonly, learned of) the passing of many of my peers. I have concluded that my focus should not be so much on the quantity of my years, but rather the quality, as measured by friends, people helped and comforted, striving to set a good example, and seeking always for greater light and knowledge.
However, each time I learn of another friend or acquaintance who just left the stage, it always causes a moment of reflection and memory.
Thank you, dear readers, for your kind words and for sharing your own stories.
Condolences. At seventy-six I have been there before, many times...
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
- Mary Elizabeth Frye
Condolences. What a beautifully written story, thanks for writing it for us!!
Hi Joel,
I’m the little sister in your story. Thank you for writing this beautiful piece! Jo was also a gifted writer. It was lovely to read this and know she’d touched your life. Took me back to school years with some of your descriptions! I’m very grateful Mattie shared this with me. Jo is at peace now. Thank you again!
Hi Laura, thank you for your kind words. I’m not at all surprised to learn your sister was a gifted writer. Seems she took us both back to those school years, which appear now as from another life. May she rest in peace.
On behalf of Johanna’s family, we wish to thank you for this lovely tribute to our sister and daughter.
Your beloved Johanna I only knew for the briefest of moments, in what now seems like another life, but she is part of a story that reaches around the world. My heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Your words are so beautiful 💕
All life has a difficult beginning and, ultimately, and end. Unfortunately her life was too short. It was a beautiful story, a fond memory and it left my eyes a little blurry. May she rest, with our Creator, in eternal peace.
At my point in life I occasionally reminisce, not frequently, or sadly, just recognizing the passage of time. Your piece captured the brevity of our lives, so well.
I wrote for a number of years...bad lines in songs, movie scripts yet unproduced, short stories way too long. I never wanted to be a writer or had the passion required.
But you sir, are a talented writer.
I give my humble thanks.
Hope to see you in Argentina.
Thanks Joel
Memory Eternal! 🕯️
Being in my mid-60's, memories of childhood scents, sun and breezy days are usually some of my most powerful.....🍁⚾🌳🚲🧢☀️🌬️🍂☘️
Grace and peace to you Amigo.
What a touching story. Although I could never know Joanna C., I felt an intense sadness welling up inside my chest as I learned of her fate. Just last week, the name of a childhood friend from 1959 came to mind for some reason. I did an online search for his name and the first thing that popped up was a photo of him proudly wearing his military uniform and an accompanying obituary from just a couple months ago. I experience similar revelations more frequently with passing time. Eventually, I might be the object of some old childhood friend’s search, only to discover my death. What a sobering thought.
Joel, I have lived this life twice with two ladies, one a friend and one I loved. The pain is real even though the memories are false, only because the reality didn’t match my memories . The pain, however, was real. Fortunately, maturity helps to make me realize that the pain is unwarranted and only in my mind. As we grow old, we learn that the longer we live the more we will be faced with this experience. That maturity enables me to accept the enviability of death and the need to recognize that the experience of enjoying their time with me was the joy we seek.
Beautifully written. You are a gifted and polished wordsmith. I look forward to reading anytime I see your name as the author. Your acute perceptions, empathetic heart and awareness of the truly valuable aspects of a cognizant life are exceptional. You and your wife Anya give me hope in humanity as you are two of its finest representatives.
Joel, I can't even begin to say or spell out all the wide range of emotions that this story has triggered in me. Not all things are similar but the emotions of young love, before one is old enough to marry, is a subject for a different book. But for all the flings and brief loves, one ends up marrying someone completely different. Life is that way. I'm 63, been married only once, and for the last 31 yrs. But I remember those emotions....... even tho some are many years ago. I too, have pondered all the paths that my school mates have chosen, some have already passed on, others, I don't know where they are, only a few, do I know where they are and have had contact in the recent years. You have such an excellent way to write and so interesting. Love your style. Keep it up! I "feel" for the little boy in you.... As the Psalmist says: Life is truly short. But a vapor. May God bless your work.
At 76 and a life of success from nothing and then failure and then coming back I find sentimentality not too far away.
We are all different. I have read it twice and reduced to tears both times.
Similar experience but when you grow older the ‘what if’s are replaced by ‘what was’.
I think of her at least 3 times a week. Thank for a beautifully note. Life.
Joel, THe story speaks of itself.,ourselves. Human connections seem to prove more treasured than money and power, for us common folk. Thanks.