1095 days since the world lost the light that was John N. Rogers. Those that had spent time with John know the light I’m talking about.
The enthusiasm over something new (or new to him).
The joy he found in teaching a friend or colleague a new tidbit.
The “in the moment” pleasure of all the things he loved: motorcycles, skiing, hiking, his cats and dogs, gardening, family, cooking, and music (to name a few).
I think my oldest memory of this light was in 2005 when I witnessed John get completely immersed in a Bruce Springsteen concert that was being aired on TV. He was in front of the TV; singing along and dancing. Not just casually singing along – singing with gusto like he was part of Bruce’s band. And at one point, he’s got tears of joy streaming down his face and he’s laughing with his whole body – he let that music and Bruce’s performance just take over his entire being. It was a wild and beautiful thing to witness.
That memory always makes me smile and I wish I had videoed it so the moment could be revisited. We never know what moments will burn into our memories – or how many we’ve maybe forgotten over time.
Take the time to find the joy. Smile broadly and laugh loudly when something (or someone) touches your soul. Sit with your memories and share them with the ones you love.
Rolling veggie sushi on a yacht in Mexico (2017) … because why not? 🙂
Some light captured on video … riding around Sedona in a Polaris with Johnny commentary and some iconic hoots and laughs!
In John’s honor, get out there and live it up … howl at the moon and be a spark of light for yourself and others.
3 responses to “1095”
Howl is the least I can do. I am keenly aware of the things that I have lost and can never be replaced.
Wow! Christie, these are such beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing your light and his, what a gift. We will certainly be howling tonight, right along with you. Sending you giant hugs and tons of love.
What a bright spot of sunshine!!!! I am soooooo grateful to you for sharing and gifting us a bit of Johnny joy. He had so very very much to share – we’ll work on spreading it around, and howl we will, for sure!