Momo Tomatoes

2 Years

Sometimes you just have to ask yourself: “What the F?”

Two years that have felt like twenty years most of the time and then occasionally they have felt like two days. Missing him will be eternal. I’m a bit short on words right now but I’m so grateful to be able to share this video and a few pictures.

Everything about John was genuine – especially his smile and laughter. And he really loved the little menace cat, Keiki, who is still wreaking havoc.

At the end of a recent yoga class, the instructor read this passage from Melody Beattie’s book: “Journey to the Heart”:

Go for the ride

—–Not all sections of the road we travel are smooth, paved, easy riding. We may prefer the smooth sections of the highway, but sometimes the road gets rough. And the rough section can go on for miles and miles.
—–That’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way. It doesn’t mean the rough section and bumpy spots will last forever. You’re still on your path.
—–Relax. Wiggle your shoulders a bit. Get ready, for you just may be in for the ride of your life. Don’t try to ignore the bumps or pretend they’re not there. Not all roads are paved and smooth. Not all roads are meant to be. Slow down a bit if you need to, but don’t stop.
—–Accept each part of the journey as it comes. Let each stretch of your path be what it needs to be.

Find the things that give you joy and smile about them, a lot. And howl at the moon every chance you get – IYKYK. Don’t stop even if the road is bumpy – John certainly wouldn’t have!

christiearlotta

10 responses to “2 Years”

  1. Hi Christie,
    Such a great video! Have to love Keiki, it was her shelf after all….The plants were trying to steal her spot. So glad John recorded that, and that glimpse in the mirror…Wow! What a blessing. I love the reading from your yoga teacher. May I ask who that was? They sound lovely. Love you.

  2. Thank you, Christie, for sharing your Johny memories with us. I love seeing him in motion and hearing his voice . . . even when he is somewhat over-reacting. What???? Over-react? John???? No way! But he would do anything for Keiki Cat, and he certainly wouldn’t get mad at her!!!!!!

    Also appreciate the Go For The Ride message. Speaks to me. Keep on keepin’ on, girl.

  3. That was a great video to see. It is great to have those memories to hold on to and cherish. He is missed but what great memories you made together

  5. Some of the simplest videos of every day life end up being some of the best. Reminds us of all the little nuances of a person. This video made me cry and laugh—- especially when he says ‘little shithead’ because I know how much he loved all the animals and could appreciate their mischief.

  6. On the heals of laying two cousins to rest in three weeks. 51 years and 52 years old.

    Hearing John’s voice and reading “Go for the Ride” made my day.

    I needed this. Thank you.

  7. This video made me cry. I was just telling a friend that John was one of the best people I knew in NJ (you as well ofcourse! ❤️): authentic, helpful, funny, balls out…animal lover, best engineer & best vegetarian cook! I still have images of him going around the office giving out pieces of asparagus & tomatoes from your organic garden (like he was Santa!!). ❤️

  8. By the way, I still have the matches from your wedding, and am still looking for the right thing that a Johnny would want me to blow up (your words, Christie…). I miss & love you (both!)