Thank you my friend :( He was a great man. He has left a huge hole, but we find comfort in knowing he knew Jesus. As I drove away Wednesday evening looking at the grand snow-capped mountains, glowing pink, seeing Mike from the early days until now, the good, strong brother, the helper, the guy everyone loved, it hit so hard how many people will miss him. The construction field alone is huge, but very small. He knew so many people in the field. John’s phone has rang nonstop. I met him 42 years ago in Mount Baldy. He and his brothers started their life there and he moved back. That whole mountain knows him. He fought the Bridge fire. He was strong and fierce. Just rode his bike from the village to the ski lifts on Monday. Told his family he never felt so good. It’s stunning and crushing. Prayer is what we are being called to all day. Praying against this relentless enemy that wreaks havoc over lives. I know God has a plan for us - but it feels so so sad right now in our country and our world and we’re barely leaving January :( Love you. ox
Hello Deborah. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m catching up on reading and want to offer my support and condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you.
Thank you dear Heidi. It’s been a very hard beginning to the new year for so many people :( My poor husband lost his best friend and mentor. A real rock of the family. I don’t think it’s really hit us yet. The family is in a very tight and small mountain community so we have had to give them their space as that community has hugged them very, very tight and that’s been good and tiring.
I need to catchup with you. I’m feeling that blah (cause I also have a head-cold, after avoiding every illness a small child could throw at me for a month solid! lol ) but not going down without a fight. I built some strong immunities in these last seven years - so I can tell (or I’m hopeful) it’s not going down my usual sinusitis road. I also feel the onslaught of all the political stars and stars in my feed here, that are basically paying Substack and it feels like the same old thing that I experienced for a long time in the photography business - when trying to stay alive in social media. I had hoped Substack would be different but was very naive to think so. I believe that’s why some of my dear friends left. Being creative, or an artist is a very long road and this whole social algorithm dance way of trying to get work out there is tiresome and unnatural. You feel like you are under a corporate pimp. I trust that God will help me to affect one person that needs it, but being a bottom feeder gets very old and I am seeing a lot of people feel this way. I think I’m going to work on some projects and read more. In thinking about all the years of being an artist, I can actually say I love the process more than the end result, so that’s something to think about.
I need to catch up with your critters! Thank you for checking in on me. I should get my little podcast up again and interview you and your approach with the critters. The book I want to work on would be based off of my first piece of short fiction called The Jacket and I’d like to hope I could somehow produce it and give any proceeds to animal welfare. I also want to compile my poetry just for fun. I hope I get to meet you this summer! ox
Thank you for this lovely and thoughtful reply, Deborah. I understand. Being with animals and spending time in nature are the godsend for me. I look forward to a walk with you and all of those incredible waterfalls!
Thank you Heidi! I certainly hope we can do that :). I will stay in touch about our trip. Sending you a big hug and hope you and the critters are keeping well and warm. ox
Thank you dear Maureen. I’m sending it right back to you. It’s been a long week and Mike has left a big hole in our hearts - but he too had survived much in his life, and lived his life to the absolute fullest, riding his bike, hiking and loving on his family to the end. He set the bar high for us.
I hear you are getting close to your theater opening! Oh how I wish I could attend! Break a leg! (wink). oxox
Thank you Jenn. It’s left a big hole, especially in John’s heart. He’s worked himself silly all week and is now realizing the impact of the loss. Thank you for your love and prayers. Love you back. ox
I hope he finally gets a little down time to grieve and feel all the feelings and let it hit him. Such a terrible loss for John and your sweet family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Sending hugs and love ❤️
Such an unexpected loss of a dear and loved family member. May he rest in peace. Sending love and condolences to his close family and praying they will, in time, find comfort in their treasured memories of their loved one.
Dear Mama, we are so so very sad. It’s hard to talk without tears. I guess God’s timing with going through treasures was meant to be. I have Mike’s 50th birthday on film that I shot, and just scattered images of his smile. Always a smile. We celebrated him at 70 at our home. I see him everywhere. A big hole in our hearts. I love you. ox
Thank you dear Ken :( Just doing this brings tears. There is a feeling of peace that our brother knew God and a feeling of sheer heartache. He was everywhere in our life together. 42 years for me and a lifetime for my John. I really appreciate you. ox
Deborah, I'm so glad you took the time to write. It can be the hardest thing or the easiest thing to write amidst grief- sometimes it stops us all up, or it releases like a floodgate everything being hemmed in. Either way, this was a lovely ode to a man who clearly meant something very dear to very many. Thanks for the hello and goodbye, on behalf of those of us who won't get a chance to know him. Many blessings on you and yours. Keep writing- you are a salve and a beacon.
Oh Krissy, my heart was beating so fast and the words were there like I needed to say this. As I drove down the mountain Wednesday night all I could do was stare at the ominous snowcaps painted pink. I felt frozen, full of memories and devastated for our family. Those hills were on fire in October and I could see my brother-in-law in the firefight (in my mind) of his life. He, a friend and his son saved their block. He had just borrowed our little utility trailer on Monday to keep helping neighbors clean up their yards. He was an incredible servant of God. A good man. He ran the race well. Big tears typing this. Thank you for your big heart in this. I have grown to believe that it's okay to "do who we are" in all seasons, listening, discerning His voice and offering these gifts back to Him. Sending you much love. ox
Whew. Getting a little teary-hearted as well over here. I understand that impromptu devastation, that breath leaving the lungs in the wake of such surprise. Death is a stranger, quiet and sneaky in step. It is absolutely okay, even destined, for us to do and be who we are in whatever season we find ourselves in. That's growth, adaptation, to a tricky earthly existence. And there is grace in it all! Hallelujah! Sending love right back to you, friend. <3
Dear Krissy, gosh how I love your writing and these beautiful words you have strung together that bring tears to my eyes. It is so tricky here on earth as you say. One minute, hour, day at a time. Always seeking that grace, staring at the winter flowers, praising all that we have. My love back at you and a big hug. Thank you for this. oxox
I'm so sorry to hear this Deb. My heart hurts for you. Your words are so beautiful and painful. If any comfort is found, it's that he loved Jesus. You'll see him again.
Dear Karen, the pain of this is softened by knowing Mike knew Jesus - but the fact that he was one of those people that everyone knew and adored - makes it so real. The hole is wide and deep. We will see him again. Right now prayer is what all of us are being called to do. All day. Making the day a prayer. Binding the enemy. So many are leaving us and tragedies seem one after another. The enemy is relentless. Thank you for writing to me. John needs a lot of prayer. Mike was his best friend too. I am shedding a few tears telling you that he told me "I tried to be like him and I think I fell short. I loved and admired him very much." I know he did not fall short. John is the baby of the family and Mike, the oldest (by 9 years) gave John his shot at being an electrician.
I know you know all of this pain. Losing loved ones is never easy. Love you all. ox
I'm sorry, Deborah. My heart hurts for your family and so many who have lost their loved ones so suddenly in the airplane/copter crash. What a blessing to have had your brother-in-law in your family.
Dear Joan, thank you so much. I know your beautiful heart feels all the pain of this world. The blessing in this is Mike knew Jesus. But you know the hole of the heart deeply and we are feeling it. Especially my John. Mike was his best friend. The one he looked up to. The one who gave his baby brother a chance to become an electrician. The one who was there for his family. The smiley face at all the birthday parties. The best grandpa in the world. He set the bar high. Sending you much love. I appreciate you friend. ox
He is leaving a big hole. It will be painful. It makes us all the more glad God made a way for us to truly know we'll see our loved ones someday. Imagine if it was works based...you'd have to keep living not knowing if they made it or you'll make it. Much harder. Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you so much Joan. It is a big hole. Thankfully we will all be together someday as you say. He made a way. And I can’t imagine it any other way. My John is just waking up to it all after throwing himself into way too much work this week :(. I hope this finds you doing well. Sending you much love always. ox
He is truly the Rock. The wings we hide under. The cocoon we climb in where we find rest. Thank you friend. We are comforted in knowing Mike knew Jesus — but the hole is deep and wide. He was the guy that everyone loved. A great servant, loving husband, incredible grandpa. I so appreciate the love Jody. ox
Oh Julie. Words can’t express how much this hurts. Thank you for your friendship here. We are seeing Mike in everything and everywhere. The treasure box I had opened last week was full of “the old days” and there he is. He was John’s best friend. The baby brother that admired his older brother. They had breakfast every week. Everyone knew and loved Mike. The construction field is large, but small. Mike set the bar for many of us. A great man. A helper. Love you and hope you are doing okay. ox
I’m so very sorry to hear about your family’s loss of a brother. Sending you much love and empathy Deborah to you and your family.
You’ve beautifully honored him through your poetic tribute. May he rest in peaceful harmony among the angels watching over us from the stars✨💜🙏
Thank you my friend :( He was a great man. He has left a huge hole, but we find comfort in knowing he knew Jesus. As I drove away Wednesday evening looking at the grand snow-capped mountains, glowing pink, seeing Mike from the early days until now, the good, strong brother, the helper, the guy everyone loved, it hit so hard how many people will miss him. The construction field alone is huge, but very small. He knew so many people in the field. John’s phone has rang nonstop. I met him 42 years ago in Mount Baldy. He and his brothers started their life there and he moved back. That whole mountain knows him. He fought the Bridge fire. He was strong and fierce. Just rode his bike from the village to the ski lifts on Monday. Told his family he never felt so good. It’s stunning and crushing. Prayer is what we are being called to all day. Praying against this relentless enemy that wreaks havoc over lives. I know God has a plan for us - but it feels so so sad right now in our country and our world and we’re barely leaving January :( Love you. ox
Hello Deborah. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m catching up on reading and want to offer my support and condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you.
Thank you dear Heidi. It’s been a very hard beginning to the new year for so many people :( My poor husband lost his best friend and mentor. A real rock of the family. I don’t think it’s really hit us yet. The family is in a very tight and small mountain community so we have had to give them their space as that community has hugged them very, very tight and that’s been good and tiring.
I need to catchup with you. I’m feeling that blah (cause I also have a head-cold, after avoiding every illness a small child could throw at me for a month solid! lol ) but not going down without a fight. I built some strong immunities in these last seven years - so I can tell (or I’m hopeful) it’s not going down my usual sinusitis road. I also feel the onslaught of all the political stars and stars in my feed here, that are basically paying Substack and it feels like the same old thing that I experienced for a long time in the photography business - when trying to stay alive in social media. I had hoped Substack would be different but was very naive to think so. I believe that’s why some of my dear friends left. Being creative, or an artist is a very long road and this whole social algorithm dance way of trying to get work out there is tiresome and unnatural. You feel like you are under a corporate pimp. I trust that God will help me to affect one person that needs it, but being a bottom feeder gets very old and I am seeing a lot of people feel this way. I think I’m going to work on some projects and read more. In thinking about all the years of being an artist, I can actually say I love the process more than the end result, so that’s something to think about.
I need to catch up with your critters! Thank you for checking in on me. I should get my little podcast up again and interview you and your approach with the critters. The book I want to work on would be based off of my first piece of short fiction called The Jacket and I’d like to hope I could somehow produce it and give any proceeds to animal welfare. I also want to compile my poetry just for fun. I hope I get to meet you this summer! ox
Thank you for this lovely and thoughtful reply, Deborah. I understand. Being with animals and spending time in nature are the godsend for me. I look forward to a walk with you and all of those incredible waterfalls!
Thank you Heidi! I certainly hope we can do that :). I will stay in touch about our trip. Sending you a big hug and hope you and the critters are keeping well and warm. ox
Sorry to hear of your loss Deborah. Sending love 💛✨🙏
Dear Hege, thank you so much. It’s been a long week and a real week of reflection. We must live and live strong like our brother did.
Hope you’re keeping well. Sending you much love back. ox
🙏💛🙏
Condolences.
Thank you dear friend. Life is fragile. We must keep living strong. ox
I'm sorry for your loss Deborah. I'm sending you comfort and peace during this transition. 🙏🏻💔
Thank you dear Maureen. I’m sending it right back to you. It’s been a long week and Mike has left a big hole in our hearts - but he too had survived much in his life, and lived his life to the absolute fullest, riding his bike, hiking and loving on his family to the end. He set the bar high for us.
I hear you are getting close to your theater opening! Oh how I wish I could attend! Break a leg! (wink). oxox
Oh, Deb. This is heartbreaking, I am so sorry. Sending you and yours a hug and I will pray for you all as you grieve your loss. All my love to you ❤️💕
Thank you Jenn. It’s left a big hole, especially in John’s heart. He’s worked himself silly all week and is now realizing the impact of the loss. Thank you for your love and prayers. Love you back. ox
I hope he finally gets a little down time to grieve and feel all the feelings and let it hit him. Such a terrible loss for John and your sweet family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Sending hugs and love ❤️
So sorry to hear of your great loss, our prayers are with you and your family.
Thank you dear Martin :( He loved Jesus, so that is a comfort - but we are so sad. ox
I’m so sorry. 😞
Thank you Hannah :( My heart is so sore for our family. I appreciate you. ox
Such an unexpected loss of a dear and loved family member. May he rest in peace. Sending love and condolences to his close family and praying they will, in time, find comfort in their treasured memories of their loved one.
Dear Mama, we are so so very sad. It’s hard to talk without tears. I guess God’s timing with going through treasures was meant to be. I have Mike’s 50th birthday on film that I shot, and just scattered images of his smile. Always a smile. We celebrated him at 70 at our home. I see him everywhere. A big hole in our hearts. I love you. ox
A wonderful tribute. Please accept my condolences
Thank you dear Ken :( Just doing this brings tears. There is a feeling of peace that our brother knew God and a feeling of sheer heartache. He was everywhere in our life together. 42 years for me and a lifetime for my John. I really appreciate you. ox
Deborah, I'm so glad you took the time to write. It can be the hardest thing or the easiest thing to write amidst grief- sometimes it stops us all up, or it releases like a floodgate everything being hemmed in. Either way, this was a lovely ode to a man who clearly meant something very dear to very many. Thanks for the hello and goodbye, on behalf of those of us who won't get a chance to know him. Many blessings on you and yours. Keep writing- you are a salve and a beacon.
Oh Krissy, my heart was beating so fast and the words were there like I needed to say this. As I drove down the mountain Wednesday night all I could do was stare at the ominous snowcaps painted pink. I felt frozen, full of memories and devastated for our family. Those hills were on fire in October and I could see my brother-in-law in the firefight (in my mind) of his life. He, a friend and his son saved their block. He had just borrowed our little utility trailer on Monday to keep helping neighbors clean up their yards. He was an incredible servant of God. A good man. He ran the race well. Big tears typing this. Thank you for your big heart in this. I have grown to believe that it's okay to "do who we are" in all seasons, listening, discerning His voice and offering these gifts back to Him. Sending you much love. ox
Whew. Getting a little teary-hearted as well over here. I understand that impromptu devastation, that breath leaving the lungs in the wake of such surprise. Death is a stranger, quiet and sneaky in step. It is absolutely okay, even destined, for us to do and be who we are in whatever season we find ourselves in. That's growth, adaptation, to a tricky earthly existence. And there is grace in it all! Hallelujah! Sending love right back to you, friend. <3
Dear Krissy, gosh how I love your writing and these beautiful words you have strung together that bring tears to my eyes. It is so tricky here on earth as you say. One minute, hour, day at a time. Always seeking that grace, staring at the winter flowers, praising all that we have. My love back at you and a big hug. Thank you for this. oxox
I'm so sorry to hear this Deb. My heart hurts for you. Your words are so beautiful and painful. If any comfort is found, it's that he loved Jesus. You'll see him again.
Dear Karen, the pain of this is softened by knowing Mike knew Jesus - but the fact that he was one of those people that everyone knew and adored - makes it so real. The hole is wide and deep. We will see him again. Right now prayer is what all of us are being called to do. All day. Making the day a prayer. Binding the enemy. So many are leaving us and tragedies seem one after another. The enemy is relentless. Thank you for writing to me. John needs a lot of prayer. Mike was his best friend too. I am shedding a few tears telling you that he told me "I tried to be like him and I think I fell short. I loved and admired him very much." I know he did not fall short. John is the baby of the family and Mike, the oldest (by 9 years) gave John his shot at being an electrician.
I know you know all of this pain. Losing loved ones is never easy. Love you all. ox
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you so very much Joel :( It hurts bad, but we find comfort in knowing he knew Jesus. I really appreciate you. ox
I'm sorry, Deborah. My heart hurts for your family and so many who have lost their loved ones so suddenly in the airplane/copter crash. What a blessing to have had your brother-in-law in your family.
Dear Joan, thank you so much. I know your beautiful heart feels all the pain of this world. The blessing in this is Mike knew Jesus. But you know the hole of the heart deeply and we are feeling it. Especially my John. Mike was his best friend. The one he looked up to. The one who gave his baby brother a chance to become an electrician. The one who was there for his family. The smiley face at all the birthday parties. The best grandpa in the world. He set the bar high. Sending you much love. I appreciate you friend. ox
He is leaving a big hole. It will be painful. It makes us all the more glad God made a way for us to truly know we'll see our loved ones someday. Imagine if it was works based...you'd have to keep living not knowing if they made it or you'll make it. Much harder. Thank you, Jesus!
Thank you so much Joan. It is a big hole. Thankfully we will all be together someday as you say. He made a way. And I can’t imagine it any other way. My John is just waking up to it all after throwing himself into way too much work this week :(. I hope this finds you doing well. Sending you much love always. ox
"God is sovereign and He is on the move." May he comfort you all with his tangible presence, Deb. xo
He is truly the Rock. The wings we hide under. The cocoon we climb in where we find rest. Thank you friend. We are comforted in knowing Mike knew Jesus — but the hole is deep and wide. He was the guy that everyone loved. A great servant, loving husband, incredible grandpa. I so appreciate the love Jody. ox
Bless you lovely. Sending love and strength your way. Celebrate his life and all he meant to you xx
Oh Julie. Words can’t express how much this hurts. Thank you for your friendship here. We are seeing Mike in everything and everywhere. The treasure box I had opened last week was full of “the old days” and there he is. He was John’s best friend. The baby brother that admired his older brother. They had breakfast every week. Everyone knew and loved Mike. The construction field is large, but small. Mike set the bar for many of us. A great man. A helper. Love you and hope you are doing okay. ox