I heard that a dearly loved cousin passed away this morning. He leaves behind a lovely wife, 2 young sons, and a family that will grieve deeply for his loss. I know he will be one of the many angels looking down on S & B as they grow up, and I know that their family will make sure that the memories and stories of their dad live on.
I remember that he spent part of a summer at my grandparents when I was a kid, he made an impression. I remember this teenager who taught me to play cards, and rode a motorcycle, and a sweetheart of a man who didn't mind having a curious child hanging around. This was someone I had an innocent childhood summer crush on. He grew into a good, loving man who was devoted to his family and simply a good person.
I was always happy to see Johnny, he was one of my favorite cousins. I just saw him 2 weeks ago at my cousin's wedding, a happy man proudly showing off his newest son, who is just a few months old. He seemed so strong and put together, and I will really cherish the memory of that day and the hug and kiss that we had as a hello. It ended up being the last.
Rest in Peace John Keaney. I hope you find the peace in heaven that you were searching so desperately for. I am going to miss you so much.
April 25, 1970 - July 10, 2009
5 comments:
Hugs. I'm so sorry for your loss dearest. Your family will be in my prayers.
**Hugs**
I am deeply sorry for such a great loss to you and all his family. Esp. to his young little ones.
HUGS!!!
Thank you B, Keri, and Dizzy Viz for the hugs and kind words. It's not an easy time for the family. I know Johnny's sister is going to make sure that the boys know who he was, but its going to be tough.
He was laid to rest today, so I hope the healing in the family can begin.
HI, Cathy,
Random googling led me to this blog post that I had never before read about Johnny. Thank you for this lovely tribute to him.
It's ironic -- though I was much younger than you when your uncle John died, I felt about him the way you probably did about Johnny when you were a kid. I had an innocent kid crush on him, not so much for romantic reasons but because he was one cousin who made time for me even though I was painfully shy, who smiled a huge smile and looked happy to see me every time we had a holiday or family event together. When he died, it knocked my world akilter, but I was acutely aware that the pain that your dad, Bob, and Sue were feeling must have been so many million times worse because he was their brother.
When I can take one step away from the pain of John's death, it's surreal to me that you all lost your John and now we've lost ours too. I like to think there's a Heaven where they both can feel all the love we still have for them.
Your kind words on FB meant a lot to me, even though you weren't able to come down for services -- the fact that you took care of Maddy so that your dad and Patty could be here means a lot, and I know you were with us in spirit. Hope to see you soon.
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