This month, 7 years ago, we lost Wesley.  He’s not gone, he just changed addresses, but he’s not here, but then he is, very much alive in our memories!  It seems to me that the value of a life is contained in what you leave behind.  The night of his Celebration of Life, his family, all of us, stood in a line to receive the sympathy of friends and family from far and wide.  We greeted people for over 3 hours!  I learned things I never knew about my own son.  People he worked with, old friends from as far back as grade school, close friends that flew or drove in from states away, all sharing stories and memories that touched our hearts and showed us just how much he gave to others

 

Wes wasn’t perfect, but he really cared about others.   When we did our book together he looked for people that needed help or a hand up, and offered it every time he found that person in need, that’s how much he cared.  I’ve found that every person that I’ve lost from this life, over time, I remember the good things and let the, less than good, fade in my memories.  Wes was a good son, brother, husband and father, not perfect, but he loved us and we love him.  I can’t wait to see him again.  Till then, take care son, and rub Chester’s ears for us!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

Tomorrow, February the 9th I will be 80!  My wife and family conspired to have a surprise birthday party for me yesterday.  I knew my family was coming in to celebrate Cade’s, my grandson’s, birthday so it was a complete surprise to me!  Family came in from far and wide to help in the celebration!  I should have suspected something when Sherelene started moving in extra card tables and chairs, but I never dreamed they were doing it for me!  I have to admit that is was a wonderful out pouring out of love and I appreciate it, but don’t deserve such wonderful attention!  My brother’s wife Terri, a incredible photographer herself, was the hit of the party with cookies she created, baked and shared with the group!

 

 

 

 

 

AI at it’s finest!  Thank to all the wonderful family and friends that have reached out to celebrate this occasion!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

Jim holding court!

 

Jim Sugar was born on Febuary 8th, 1946 at 9:00 p.m.  That was a fact I learned while we drove together to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino for a meeting with Apple Execs.  We were viewing Apple’s new digital camera and the beginning of a new era!! I learned that fact about Jim when we were arguing over who was the oldest!  When he told me that I didn’t believe it, I was born 9 hours later on February 9th at 6:00 a.m.  For the last 30 years I’ve called Jim on the evening his birthday and said, “I’m sure glad I’m not as old as you!” Laughs all around!  We became very close over those years and I was always proud to call such a great guy and incredible photographer, a dear friend.  Sadly we lost Jim last year.  The photo above is a great depiction of who Jim was, a brilliant shooter and a great teacher, always thrilled to share his vast knowledge!

 

It was best said, that it is not what you accomplished in life but who you affected for good!  If that is true, and I believe it is, Jim knocked it out of the park, a real friend, a confident, a true brother from a different mother!  Thank you Jim for the inspiration, the friendship and encouragement!  I hope you will meet me at the gate in Heaven!

 

Thank you from a blessed man, a man you blessed!

 

the pilgrim

 

P.S.  Jim would you do me a favor, would  you rub Chester’s ears for me!