167 entries.
We are close friends, like family to Tom and Linda Bryce. We did not know John personally but always heard fabulous things about him. Seeing this wonderful tribute and the beautiful things others have to say just confirms what an incredible person he is. We are sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Peace and Blessings.
LJ, Each of us has a fire in our heart for something and you found that fire at a very young age and kept it lit. Your spirit is a true inspiration to us all.
John and Mary – The happiness and joy LJ showed for his family and life would bring a smile to anyone’s face and is a testament to you. This is shown in the pictures of LJ through the years and reading his essays. It’s a beautiful thing to see how you all cherished each other.
Cynthia, what a remarkable woman you are. The love you and LJ shared is so lovely. It’s difficult to put into words, but LJ did it so well in his essay.
Please know that my family and I are thinking of you - Lisa
John and Mary – The happiness and joy LJ showed for his family and life would bring a smile to anyone’s face and is a testament to you. This is shown in the pictures of LJ through the years and reading his essays. It’s a beautiful thing to see how you all cherished each other.
Cynthia, what a remarkable woman you are. The love you and LJ shared is so lovely. It’s difficult to put into words, but LJ did it so well in his essay.
Please know that my family and I are thinking of you - Lisa
Sending love, and strength, and more love and more strength, to Cynthia, John Sr. and Mary, and to the many members of Little John's extensive and loving family.
I spent an hour viewing the Gallery images and was especially grateful to be able to "attend" the wedding via all of the Wedding Pictures! — such a testament to Love and to Life, to Courage and to Resilience.
"I answer the heroic question 'Death, where is thy sting?' with 'It is here in my heart and mind and memories.' ” — Maya Angelou
As one of the far-flung Stuart cousins (I now live in Canada), I so wish I had had the opportunity to know LJ as an adult.
*LOVE* to all! — cousin Jim
I spent an hour viewing the Gallery images and was especially grateful to be able to "attend" the wedding via all of the Wedding Pictures! — such a testament to Love and to Life, to Courage and to Resilience.
"I answer the heroic question 'Death, where is thy sting?' with 'It is here in my heart and mind and memories.' ” — Maya Angelou
As one of the far-flung Stuart cousins (I now live in Canada), I so wish I had had the opportunity to know LJ as an adult.
*LOVE* to all! — cousin Jim
I stumbled upon this by accident, but knew that once I saw the picture of "John, Sophie, and turtle" that this was the same kid I spent afternoons re-enacting flipper with. When you all moved from Alexandria, Va John sent me this very picture. I have very few memories of preschool but the few I have were with John. I know its been twenty years, but so much of my preschool memories are with him. I don't remember much, but what I do was with him. We re-enacted "flipper" after school, and I actually remember punching him in class (he told me to do so) and being sent to time out. I don't remember much else, but that I missed my good friend. I tried to look him up on facebook a few years back but found so many by the same name that I gave back, I wish I had tried harder. I'm sorry we weren't able to keep in touch as much as I had hoped over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Prayers and love to all that know and love John. His approach to life will remain with all of us, always. We are all honored to have known and loved him. Cynthia and the Rust family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. He is and always will be a truly amazing person.
Much love from myself and I am sure the rest of the KMS crew.
Much love from myself and I am sure the rest of the KMS crew.
>The time that I have known John leads me to believe that he has lived more in his 24 years than most will or could in 100. I have never known someone as determined or accomplished in every part of life. I consider myself lucky to have known him and honored to have been a friend. My heart goes out to Cynthia and the rest of the Rust Family.
Chris
Chris
It just blows my mind that he is not with us anymore. Cynthia I am so so sorry for your loss. He will live on in all of us, and in our memories. I can remember when I played baseball with John when I was around 10 years old, that's 13 years ago. His nickname was Nails because he could hammer the ball out of the park. I'll never forget him. My thoughts are prayers are with you Mrs. Rust and the rest of the Rust family. John is still alive, in our hearts and in our minds. He will not be forgotten.
I am not really sure what to say. I have known John since elementary school, he was such an awesome person. My prayers go out to Cynthia and his family.
It's my sincere belief that one can not truley comprehend the beauty of life until they face adversity and hardship. Unfortunately one of the most peaceful and caring souls I have ever met had to endure extreme hardship the likes of which I can not fathom, yet I know that John passed away with a true understanding of just how blessed any of us are to grace this earth. Although he passed young it is my belief that John's experiences taught him more than anyone could hope to learn in a hundred years. He will live on in the souls of those that knew him and in a wife and family that are amazing.
Mary, John, & Cynthia, - LJ could have searched the world over and not found three more wonderful people to nourish, support, and cherish his brief and shining life. Our hearts and tears are with you at this sad time. Much love and peace - Susan & Mike
I never knew John personally but I knew that everyone loved him, and that tells me volumes about this man. Cynthia, Mr. And Mrs. Rust, I am truly sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Some of my best memories of John are from Elementary School! He was the fastest kid in the third grade and he was never without his Braves baseball cap. One time, in Mrs. Wines' class, i was talking with friends when we were supposed to be quiet. Mrs. Wines came in, angry and wanting to know who was talking; i was so scared and embarrassed to get in trouble and started turning red, my eyes tearing up. John was at my table that day and he saw how scared I looked. He raised his hand and took the blame for me! John was a truley good and compassionate person. I will miss him greatly. My love and thoughts are with you Cynthia and Rust Family.
Hey,
Im Not Really Sure What To Say...Im At A Loss For Words...May Peace Be With You...Cynthia, Stay Strong And Know There Are People Here To Support You.
Im Not Really Sure What To Say...Im At A Loss For Words...May Peace Be With You...Cynthia, Stay Strong And Know There Are People Here To Support You.
From both Vermont and Virginia, we send our best to all John's family and friends. His love of life and sharing with others left many of us better people because we knew him. Let's all remember his good nature and let his example give new meaning and purpose to those he has left behind.
LJ, I just read your essays. Your words bring you fully back. I miss you bud.
Cynthia, nothing else could have expressed so well the amazing woman that you are and your capacity to love.
Cynthia, nothing else could have expressed so well the amazing woman that you are and your capacity to love.
John didn't seem to feel pity for himself,only thankfulness for those close to him. It's amazing how these human gifts we get to meet sometimes can stay with us forever, even though they have a short time on this Earth. I can tell John had Zest. A testiment to his family.
I read Little John's essay and was blown away. I hope you all read it.