Rest In Peace
I recently attended a beautiful memorial service for my daughter’s father-in-law, Jay, who died earlier this month. We were the same age–84. Jay and his wife Linda were known for their dancing, among other things. I remember a time about ten years ago when they invited my husband Charles and me to a couples dinner-dance at their church. Memories of this special event flooded my mind while we celebrated Jay’s life in the same room where the dance had been held
Jay also wanted everyone he met to know that God loved them and he expressed it without hesitation. “God loves you and so do I,” he often said to friend and stranger alike. During the sharing time at the luncheon, person after person stood up to acknowledge Jay as a man of love and joy.
Later that day, as we stood by the grave I reflected on what it means to be thought of as such a man–one of love and joy. Jesus has set the example:
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in My love just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 15:10)
Jay, I am enjoying the fruit of your love for all of us who hold you in our memory. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship and example.
Karen, I’m sorry for your lost of a family member and friend.
May you feel God’s comfort in the days ahead.
From My Heart, BRC
Thank you, Beth. It’s lovely to receive your words of comfort.
This is beautiful, Karen. So wonderful to remember him that way. We can only hope others remember us that same way—remaining in the Father’s love so we can spread that to others. I think that way of you. Your love and joy have always been such a bright light in my life and in all the lives you touch.
Thank you, Heidi. You are special to me, as well. You’ve always been a light of recovery that continues to inspire me.
Karen, this is a lovely tribute to a fine man… and I love the John 15:10 verse you included. I’m sorry for the loss of this friend of your and Charles. Blessings, Carolyn Curtis
Thank you for your kind words, Carolyn.
Beautiful, Karen! I know Jay will be missed and I am sorry for the loss of still having him in your life and in his family and friends. It is sad yet such a beautiful gift of a life well lived. Thank you for sharing this with us. Love and blessings to you, Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. It is hard to lose a good friend but I love knowing that he dedicated his life to sharing the love of God.
Karen, what a lovely tribute to a man who loved the Lord. He will be missed here on earth but he has left a beautiful example of what it means to have the Lord a living part of our lives. Cherish the memories.
What a sweet comment, Joan. Thank you for sharing in our loss.
I loved reading this Mom. Jay was a kind soul.
Thanks for reading my remembrance, Julie.
Thank you Karen for this beautiful tribute written for and about my Dad. It is wonderful to know how’s he impacted your life as well as everyone he was around.
Yes he told everyone how much he loved them but first said Jesus loves you he wanted to open up that conversation and was read to witness any time any where.
He’s with God now. We will be with him again someday,but not yet 🤍
Thank you Karen for sharing this with me.
~love Sheryl daughter of Jay Torr
Thank you Sheryl, for your kind words. Take care and God bless. you.