Tuesday, March 22, 2016

RIP MISTAH. JEFF! We will miss you!

Our friend, Jeff, passed away.
What a blow for MyHero
as he is recovering.

When MyHero and I were dating
he had two best friends.
One was his roommate, Greg.

His other best friend was Jeff.
Jeff and John went through lots of ups and downs
in their early adulthood.
They commiserated with each other
during those hard times
and, in so doing, became
BEST FRIENDS.

When we got married we moved to
Wisconsin, MyHero's home state.
Jeff, being a Southern boy, stayed
DOWN SAWTH!

We saw him sporadically over the years,
when we traveled back to the south,
or when he came to visit us.
We visited them at their beautiful estate here.
Not sure WHY these two boys are so serious-
they were usually yukking it up about something.
We were delighted when he met and married, Miz' Barb,
(this picture does not do her justice-
she is just a beautiful OUTSIDE as she is INSIDE).
She's a wonderful woman who made a better man
out of an already good guy.

John called Jeff a couple of months ago
to tell him he had cancer.
When they hung up, John told Jeff he loved him.
That would be the first and last time
that he ever said that to him.

On about the 8th of March,
Jeff was not feeling well and went to the ER.
Long story short-
Jeff was full of cancer-
too late to do anything about it.
Ten days later, on March 18th,
he passed away.
No pain-No meds-Talking right up to to end-
He just stretched out in bed and went to sleep.

Miz' Barb is heartbroken.
They were connected and always together.
We so wish we could be there with her 
to offer support and love.
We will visit her later this summer
when MyHero has recovered
and see the spot where Jeff is buried.

It is hard to believe he is gone.
He was one of those funny guys with a dry sense of humor
that enjoyed a good joke.
Being a 70s sort of guy,
he used to refer to people as 
TURKEYS...
as in--
"That guy's a real turkey" 
OR
'That TURKEY doesn't know WHAT he's doin'".

That made it especially funny when he 
bought a mountaintop retreat-
AND
when we went there we found him...
you guessed it...
he was feeding REAL turkeys.
Rest In Peace, Jeff.
We will miss you, old buddy!
See you on the other side.
Hope they have some turkeys over there for you!

Edited to add:
Just remembered- we have another
TURKEY CONNECTION
with Jeff.
I sent them my 
TURKEY OIL PAINTING
after they were here and admired it.
(proving that God has a sense of humor
in providing me with a turkey painting to give him)


I will have an update on Friday
about MyHero and 
Bob Wagner, our dentist.
Thank you for your continuing prayers.



your photo name

69 comments:

Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm so sorry for this loss, Diana. Continued prayers for you ALL.

Barbara said...

It is so sad when we lose friends. A good friend is so precious. A holder of shared memories. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend and especially when your Hero is already handling as much as anyone could.

Sylvia said...

Sorry to hear this,Diana. This is a good tribute to him. I love the photo of Jeff feeding the Turkey's.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Diana, I'm so sorry to hear this about your friend. God made that last talk between John and Jeff special, didn't He? Prayers for his wife and you two.
Blessings,
Shelia :)

Vee said...

Losing friends is just miserable. Saying a prayer for all who are left behind. Saying a special prayer for Jeff's widow.

a writing place said...

So sorry....

But he certainly had a calm death. Just laid down and went to sleep.

Gentle hugs,
Tessa

Lucille said...

Dear Diana, my condolences to you and John on your loss. At least, Jeff did not have the time to suffer as John is suffering and so many others who have that dreaded disease. Very sad, though! Take care. Always praying for John and you are always included!

Jan Hermann said...

OH my...I'm so sorry for his wife and both of you. His suffering was short and that's how it should be...he's at peace in a much better place - either commiserating with or feeding the "TURKEYS'!

Ron said...

Sorry to hear, Diana. Prayers for all involved. xoxo

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Oh Diana I am so sorry. So glad your Hero said those words to him and that he didn't suffer for too long. My condolences.

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Diana, I'm so sorry. Such a blow to the both of you. You are in my prayers, dear one. xo ♥

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

I am so sorry. It is hard to lose a friend and even more difficult right now. Prayers dear one.

camp and cottage living said...

What a shock for you both. I'm so sorry to hear this, Diana.
Will be praying for all of you, for sure.

Nonnie said...

What a blow indeed! I'm so sorry for your loss. That is truly one of the hard things as we get older. Losing friends and family. It seems there have been too many lately. Look forward to hearing the update. Xoxo

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Diana, you seem to be writing about this sort of thing too often. No consolation, but at least he went "peacefully". Hang in there. (His wife does look like a lovely person). -Jenn

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

WOW that is so sad, two of his friends dying of cancer. I am so sorry. Hope that Bob is doing well and had a successful operation.

I also pray that John is doing better.

Have a wonderful blessed Easter.
Hugs,
Mary

Pam Kessler said...

I'm so sorry Diana! To have life end so abruptly . . . don't know if that's a blessing or a curse, but at least his last moments were peaceful. What a great tribute to a friend.

JennyD said...

I am in tears, both out of complete sadness for his family and for John as his best friend, but also for your tender and loving tribute to his life. I hate cancer; it's taken so many of my friends and my mother especially over the last 15 years (my 8 closest friends within the same year my mother died...it was not a happy time). What I am glad about for Jeff is that he didn't go through the long length of time of pain, but instead, as you said, just stretched out and went to sleep. We should all be so lucky; but still, it's a hard time for the rest of the family and friends that are left behind. Grief is so hard but there's no getting around it. As I told another of your friends not that long ago, it's only walking through the next door, still here, just there and we'll all meet in the next 'room' again. Love to you and John, Diana and tell Barb she has a ton of thoughts and prayers from all your friends. XOXO

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Oh my Diana...you and your family have certainly had some real heartaches and tragedies lately....Thoughts and prayers go out to your friend Miz' Barb and to your Hero for the loss of one of his best friends....

LV said...

Things are going to get better. It is said there is a reason for all things, but I tend to question some the whys at times. Mercy, I do pray the good Lord gives you and these families peace and understanding. Blessing to all.

Betty said...

My Husband lost his best friend a few years ago. He went to work and he had a heart attack. Just a few days before he was at our house,laughing and joking around. It is hard to lose a friend. My prayers are with you and you Husband during this time.

This N That said...

Glad Jeff didn't suffer...Tough to lose a long time friend..Sorry for your loss..Sorry for Diana..

Susie said...

Diana, Please give your Hero a hug from me. I am so very sorry for the loss of your good friend. So sad. We just have to keep praying. Bless all of you, Love you , xoxo,Susie

AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNa said...

Oh, so sad for both of you! I bet John is so glad he told Jeff he loved him. So sorry for your loss.

Rose L said...

Loss of a long-time friend is difficult. I lost one of mine from high school back in 1966. Three of us had been dubbed the Three Amigos. I miss her.

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, So very sorry about the loss of one of your dear friends! What a way to go though. Life is short, enjoy every minute. Sending you love, hugs and prayers.
Noreen

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm very sorry for this sad loss too and will add them to my prayer list. I'm constantly praying for you and your sweet hubby, Diana. Sending you hugs tonight, Diane

Merlesworld said...

Sad to hear about your loss, good friends are very special.
Merle..................

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful friend...xoxo

jmac said...

My whole body and soul are aching for ya'll right now. I will continue to pray for you and your man....and now for your best friend's family. This life is tough, I tell ya.

Feral Turtle said...

I am terribly sorry for his dear wife and for you both to lose such a good friend. How nice that John talked to him before he passed. What a sad time this is Diana. I am truly sorry.

Launna said...

Diana, I am sorry for all of your loss... I know how difficult it is to deal with... I pray his wife will have the strength and support to be able to handle this next trial... He sounds like such a great guy xox

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness it is hard to know what to say - I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I know he will be missed and prayers for his wife too. I was wondering how your dentist was. This is a lot. Prayers all around! sandie

A Joyful Cottage said...

My deepest sympathies, Diana. This has to be a big blow to John and to you. I feel so sad for Barb. You are all in my prayers. Gentle hugs, Nancy

amazingsusan said...

I'm no longer fooled Diana, you are DEFINITELY some kind of earthbound angel - ha!

Cecilia said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers being sent your way and to Barb and the family. Life can be full of sorrow, can't it? Glad we have the promise of somewhere better. Hugs,
Cecilia

Carla from The River said...

Sending prayers my friend. xx oo
Carla

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

So sorry for your loss, Diana and John. Isn't it strange how life plays out sometimes?.xxo Judy

Jackie said...

What heartbreaking news. My sincerest condolences to you and John on the loss of a close friend.
Love,
Jackie

Joy Junktion said...

LIFE: So fragile, so special, so short! My thoughts and prayers are with you, John and MizBarb! Too much pain in your world! Praying that God holds you closely! Blessings, Cindy xo

cynthia lee designs said...

So sorry for your loss of your friend Jeff. Sending hugs and saying a pray for the family and you.
hugs,
~Cindy

Gypsy Heart said...

Oh my word, I'm so very sorry! The Big C needs to be eradicated and leave everyone alone! I can only imagine how sad this is for all of you. The turkey painting is stunning! You know it brought a lot of joy to Jeff.

I always have you two in my prayers...will certainly include Miz Barb now.
xoxo
Pat

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Sorry for your loss.
Sending you and your hero a cyber hug of understanding.

Janet said...

Oh Diana, I'm just so sorry to hear this. Please tell Barb that we all send our love and are praying for her and her family. Big Hugs for her.

Also you and John, as always are in our thoughts and prayers.
Big Get Well Hugs. Take care,Janet W oxo

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Sorry to hear of the loss of John's friend....You guys sure are going through the wringer, but through it all you can know that God will never leave you nor forsake you. He sees your pain and sorrow. Keep looking up....better days are coming.

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So sorry Diana!
Blessings,
Cindy

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh, this is such sad news on top of everything else your poor man is going through. It's so hard to lose a good friend and I feel so bad for his beautiful wife. He sounds like a wonderful person and a good friend. You both have suffered so much loss. I pray that you find the strength in the Lord to move forward in faith that all will be well. Hugs xx Karen

Karen said...

I know it is hard on your husband to have such sad news at this time. I pray for God's strength for Jeff's Family and for you and your family.

At Rivercrest Cottage said...

Makes you wonder. How can he be so sick and not know it? Also makes me want to run to the doctor and get checked out. My friend had to do a colonoscopy for a new insurance policy her husband was buying for the both of them, otherwise she would not have done one. She expected to have no problem, but woke up with part of her colon removed due to cancer. She had no idea she had a problem. You really have to wonder.

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

I am so sorry for your loss, thinking of you dearest.
Jemma

Down On The Farm said...

Oh no . . . . . I hate death. But I'm thankful that Jesus has overcome death and the grave. Prayers for his family, and for you and John.

Barbara @ 21 Rosemary Lane said...

Diana I am so very sorry for your loss. Jeff sounds like a wonderful man and good friend to you and John. Sending hugs and prayers to the both of you.
XO Barbara

Anonymous said...

Diane so sorry of the loss of friend
Jeff for you both. What a way to go. In a sleep of slumber to be with his Lord.
Will keep his wife in Prayer and the family of theirs. Our best friend has Alzheimer. Friends are golden. Keeping you and hubby and the Dentist in continued prayers.

X O

Art and Sand said...

I am so sorry that John had to lose a good friend as he himself is suffering.

I will keep you, John and Jeff's widow in my thoughts.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

This is sad news for you and John. That last conversation is so special and must bring comfort to John.

Kim said...

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, Diana. Prayers to you...

Ronda@islandmother said...

Very sorry to hear of your loss. This has been such a difficult time for you. Prayers for you and John.

Kelly said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend! That is such an unexpected death. I can't believe how fast that happened! I guess it was really his time to go. God must have special plans for him in heaven and needed him right away. I will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that John is not having a difficult time dealing with this news. He is in a fragile state and doesn't need any undue stress.

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was a really good friend.

Warm hugs,
Carol

Leena Milligan Lanteigne said...

So very sorry for the loss of Jeff! Best friends really never leave us, for the fun and fond memories are permanently in our hearts. Hugs and Hearts, Leena

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending up prayers for his family. So cute about the turkey references though! I love that you sent him that painting. :)

Boopnut said...

So sad for Jeff's family and also for you and John. Continued prayers, and yes, God does have a sense of humor!
Deb

Katie Isabella said...

Oh Disna. I am deeply sorry about yours and John's dear friend. What an awful blow to endure. And God's loving comfort to Jeff's family,

Katie Isabella said...

Sorry for the typo in your name Diana, ❤️

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. xoox Su

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. xoox Su

Cranberry Morning said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. What a loss for his wife. I will say a prayer for her. Cancer seems to have so many ways of manifesting itself. I was totally unplugged from the blog and email while we were in Texas and then when we came back to the news of the sudden death of our cousin and friend, to start work on settling his estate. I used to think that death was just a natural part of life. But it's not. God did not create humans for death, but for life. Jesus defeated death and that's why my money's on him. Happy Resurrection Tuesday.

Cranberry Morning said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. What a loss for his wife. I will say a prayer for her. Cancer seems to have so many ways of manifesting itself. I was totally unplugged from the blog and email while we were in Texas and then when we came back to the news of the sudden death of our cousin and friend, to start work on settling his estate. I used to think that death was just a natural part of life. But it's not. God did not create humans for death, but for life. Jesus defeated death and that's why my money's on him. Happy Resurrection Tuesday.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Oh Diana, such a terrible loss for John to lose his best friend to cancer, while he himself is fighting the same disease! My goodness, such sadness with that terrible cancer. I will be praying for his family, continuing to pray for John and you, and your friend Bob Wagner too... much love and prayers going up for all of you!