Dear Mary and John, word just reached us that LJ's battle was over, and we all feel such anguish for your tremendous loss.
I've been reading the comments, and like several of the writers, I did not really get to know LJ on a personal level. This is primarily due to distance. But you are so dear to me, and I have followed the saga through updates between our families. Your loss saddens us deeply.
My most solid visual memory of John is as a baby boy, looking over his daddy's shoulders while he was being carried by big John, and I followed behind. I can still see that beautiful face and remember so clearly looking into the smiling eyes of little John Whitney Rust, Jr.
However, I've heard so much about LJ, the young man in these recent years. I've heard stories and seen pictures-- and I have been so inspired at how well he has handled all of this, and at how much he chose to enjoy life to the fullest as long as he could. That is a tremendous legacy that I think has affected many people, and will continue to do so whenever any one of us faces trials of any magnitude.
My impression of John is that he not only loved life (and loved skiing, and loved bass fishing, not neccesarily in that order), but that he had wisdom, acceptance and maturity beyond his years.
His story has definitely had an impact on me. Some may take a point of view that the cancer defeated him, but by the way he lived out his days, I'd say that John ran the race well, crossed the finish line, and won!
John and Mary, I hope and pray that the pain of your loss will soon give way to the joy of the memories you cherish, peace in the knowledge that he no longer suffers, and gratitude for the time that you shared with him.
Cynthia, we've never met you, but we are so very thankful that you were there with him through the journey, and we are sorry for this tremendous loss to you, as well.
God bless you all-- John, Mary, Cynthia, Julie, and all the aunts, uncles, cousins and other loved ones who share in the loss of LJ. You remain in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Love,
Clint, Christine and Willie
I've been reading the comments, and like several of the writers, I did not really get to know LJ on a personal level. This is primarily due to distance. But you are so dear to me, and I have followed the saga through updates between our families. Your loss saddens us deeply.
My most solid visual memory of John is as a baby boy, looking over his daddy's shoulders while he was being carried by big John, and I followed behind. I can still see that beautiful face and remember so clearly looking into the smiling eyes of little John Whitney Rust, Jr.
However, I've heard so much about LJ, the young man in these recent years. I've heard stories and seen pictures-- and I have been so inspired at how well he has handled all of this, and at how much he chose to enjoy life to the fullest as long as he could. That is a tremendous legacy that I think has affected many people, and will continue to do so whenever any one of us faces trials of any magnitude.
My impression of John is that he not only loved life (and loved skiing, and loved bass fishing, not neccesarily in that order), but that he had wisdom, acceptance and maturity beyond his years.
His story has definitely had an impact on me. Some may take a point of view that the cancer defeated him, but by the way he lived out his days, I'd say that John ran the race well, crossed the finish line, and won!
John and Mary, I hope and pray that the pain of your loss will soon give way to the joy of the memories you cherish, peace in the knowledge that he no longer suffers, and gratitude for the time that you shared with him.
Cynthia, we've never met you, but we are so very thankful that you were there with him through the journey, and we are sorry for this tremendous loss to you, as well.
God bless you all-- John, Mary, Cynthia, Julie, and all the aunts, uncles, cousins and other loved ones who share in the loss of LJ. You remain in our hearts, in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Love,
Clint, Christine and Willie