Thanks to all my friends and family who have encouraged me to continue writing.This website is for you, as well as for me.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Florine's Condition
The petals are falling off the rose.
John
8 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Dear John...
We think of you and Florine constantly, and pray that God will give you both the strength to get through this, whatever the outcome. Whether you know it or not, both you and Florine are an inspiration and have deeply affected so many lives in such a positive way. The love you have for Florine comes through so clearly as you keep us updated on her condition. (Thank you for doing that.) Stay stong, and know that we love you both and will keep praying for a miracle. Love from... Rosann and Philip
Thank you so much for your call yesterday to let me know about Florine’s accident. I really appreciate your extra effort to contact me at a time like this when you least need one more phone call to make.
I’ve just read through all the comments on your blog from your family and friends and am truly overwhelmed by the expressions of their feelings for Florine - who she is as a person, the positive impact she has had on so many lives, her special gifts and talents, her spirit . . . What a privilege for all of them to know her and to have had their lives touched by her special qualities. I feel a void not having met and known her.
Though the experience is different for each of us, you know that I know what it is like to be by the bedside of a loved one clinging to life and not knowing what the next day will bring. It all came back to me and I slept little last night thinking about what you must be going through and wishing I could ease your pain and uncertainty. My heart breaks for you. Though afar, please know that I am with you in spirit.
Family and friends, though well intended, can sometimes be yet another “burden” when you need it least. Forgive us, we feel helpless and just need to believe that we can do something, anything, to help (thus all the meals!). Beyond knowing that our hearts and thoughts are with you, please let us know what you need and how we can help you through this crisis.
By all that I have read, Florine treasures and embraces the gift of life and flourishes in your love for her. Even now, she continues to teach all of us how important it is to touch the lives of others, to tell those we love that we love and cherish them, to live our everyday lives in the moment, and to treasure the gift of life we are given each day.
Through years, Florine and I have built memories together that no time can erase. John, at a certain time (in Connecticut), I got to know you too, her wonderful companion of life. From the very beginning I could feel the pride (LOVE) each one of you was having for the other.
Last year, you greeted me in your home and I'm still cherishing those too short moments that I passed in your company. You also had that generosity to honour us with your presence at our son's weddings two years ago.
I’m writing these lines with all those memories in my mind, tears in my eyes and GREAT HOPE in my heart.
Florine & John, I’m giving you these thoughts. I'm sure you know how FULL OF LOVE they can be. And may some day Florine be given a chance to read them again by herself!
Thank you so much to both of you for your friendship, your kindness and your love that I feel having no limits.
My heart is aching for you! I just started corresponding with Florine recently by email.You could always feel her warmth and personality through the letters that she wrote, just as your warmth and love come through in your writing.
Dearest John, They say that if at the end you can count on the fingers of one hand those who throughout life remain your friends, you are lucky - Florine is my thumb. She helps me grasp the importance of life - she helps me when I am down, encourages me when I ask for her help - she is my idol/ideal/mentor. You and she are that most unique, RARE thing - a happily married couple - that makes being around you both a joy, a privilege. It is an unbreakable union, an inviable force for goodness and happiness and all the positive things on this planet. We love you both and thank you for being our friends, perhaps more than you'll ever realize. Annie & Willie Elliott
This is for you, Florine, my friend, if I could give you one thing. I would give you the ability to see yourself, as others see you... then you would realize what a truly special person you are. Madeline
I want you to know that I have been praying as well as my son-in-law Pastor Bixler and his church since we heard the news. I am amazed by your strength during the accident. Florine absolutely did always brighten a room. But, trust me, I do know that part of that smile was radiated from the love that the two of you shared.
The two of you have always felt as part of my family and I am so grateful for that.
Know,that I, and all sectors of our family love you and have always admired the love that the two of you share.
I know that you understand when I say that I can truly identify with how you feel--Just know that you and Florine will always be in my families prayers.
8 comments:
Dear John...
We think of you and Florine constantly, and pray that God will give you both the strength to get through this, whatever the outcome. Whether you know it or not, both you and Florine are an inspiration and have deeply affected so many lives in such a positive way. The love you have for Florine comes through so clearly as you keep us updated on her condition.
(Thank you for doing that.)
Stay stong, and know that we love you both and will keep praying for a miracle.
Love from...
Rosann and Philip
Dear John,
Thank you so much for your call yesterday to let me know about Florine’s accident. I really appreciate your extra effort to contact me at a time like this when you least need one more phone call to make.
I’ve just read through all the comments on your blog from your family and friends and am truly overwhelmed by the expressions of their feelings for Florine - who she is as a person, the positive impact she has had on so many lives, her special gifts and talents, her spirit . . . What a privilege for all of them to know her and to have had their lives touched by her special qualities. I feel a void not having met and known her.
Though the experience is different for each of us, you know that I know what it is like to be by the bedside of a loved one clinging to life and not knowing what the next day will bring. It all came back to me and I slept little last night thinking about what you must be going through and wishing I could ease your pain and uncertainty. My heart breaks for you. Though afar, please know that I am with you in spirit.
Family and friends, though well intended, can sometimes be yet another “burden” when you need it least. Forgive us, we feel helpless and just need to believe that we can do something, anything, to help (thus all the meals!). Beyond knowing that our hearts and thoughts are with you, please let us know what you need and how we can help you through this crisis.
By all that I have read, Florine treasures and embraces the gift of life and flourishes in your love for her. Even now, she continues to teach all of us how important it is to touch the lives of others, to tell those we love that we love and cherish them, to live our everyday lives in the moment, and to treasure the gift of life we are given each day.
Your rose will always be with us,
Louise
My dear cousins Florine and John,
Through years, Florine and I have built memories together that no time can erase. John, at a certain time (in Connecticut), I got to know you too, her wonderful companion of life. From the very beginning I could feel the pride (LOVE) each one of you was having for the other.
Last year, you greeted me in your home and I'm still cherishing those too short moments that I passed in your company. You also had that generosity to honour us with your presence at our son's weddings two years ago.
I’m writing these lines with all those memories in my mind, tears in my eyes and GREAT HOPE in my heart.
Florine & John, I’m giving you these thoughts. I'm sure you know how FULL OF LOVE they can be. And may some day Florine be given a chance to read them again by herself!
Thank you so much to both of you for your friendship, your kindness and your love that I feel having no limits.
I'm by your side in that fight for LIFE.
Always with you, your cousin
Maurice Perreault
Québec, Canada
John,
My heart is aching for you! I just started corresponding with Florine recently by email.You could always feel her warmth and personality through the letters that she wrote, just as your warmth and love come through in your writing.
Love,
Dawn Bollinger
Cousin in Pennsylvania
John,
We can all learn from your love.
GOD BLESS FLORINE and
GOD BLESS YOU
Jay
Dearest John,
They say that if at the end you can count on the fingers of one hand those who throughout life remain your friends, you are lucky - Florine is my thumb. She helps me grasp the importance of life - she helps me when I am down, encourages me when I ask for her help - she is my idol/ideal/mentor. You and she are that most unique, RARE thing - a happily married couple - that makes being around you both a joy, a privilege. It is an unbreakable union, an inviable force for goodness and happiness and all the positive things on this planet. We love you both and thank you for being our friends, perhaps more than you'll ever realize.
Annie & Willie Elliott
This is for you, Florine,
my friend, if I could give you one thing.
I would give you the ability to see yourself,
as others see you...
then you would realize
what a truly special
person you are.
Madeline
John,
I want you to know that I have been praying as well as my son-in-law Pastor Bixler and his church since we heard the news. I am amazed by your strength during the accident. Florine absolutely did always brighten a room. But, trust me, I do know that part of that smile was radiated from the love that the two of you shared.
The two of you have always felt as part of my family and I am so grateful for that.
Know,that I, and all sectors of our family love you and have always admired the love that the two of you share.
I know that you understand when I say that I can truly identify with how you feel--Just know that you and Florine will always be in my families prayers.
Post a Comment