As you may have already read, my step-father passed away last Wednesday. This was the man that raised me. Don't get me wrong, I love my biological father dearly and it hurt when he was laid to rest so long ago, but "Jeep" as everyone called me is the man who turned me into the man I am today.
I'll try to keep this short, but I feel I need to pass this on to all within earshot:
From his life, I've learned that you can't be worrying about the things you have no control over. When faced with adversity, just meet it head on and you'll come out the other side. The things that you have no control over are going to happen, so don't spend your time worrying about those things. Instead focus your time and effort on those things that you have control over, and you'll come out the other side, no questions, no regrets.
That's very much how Jeep lived his life, I never once saw the man distressed or worried. I can almost hear him now, "Keep on truckin' down the road and it'll be all right." That is so very true and I thank him for giving me that attitude. I may not always follow it like I should, but I'm getting better, and due to his influence, I think I'm already there compared to the average person.
The other things he's taught me, he managed to teach me in death, which is simply this: You don't get to choose your last moments with someone. Therefore treasure each moment, take it in, say what you need/want to say. Be graciously thankful for every moment you get to share with a friend or loved one. Be there...be *IN* that moment.
I'll miss our family gatherings around the guitar singing words to songs we don't know and playing the chords as someone shouts them out. I'll miss his gracious smile that he wore that was there simply because he already knew the two lessons I've just mentioned. Nothing got the man down...and though I'm completely saddened by his passing, I can hear him saying: "Don't worry about me, just you keep on movin' on down the road and it will all be okay."
There's so much more that I'm going to miss, and so much more that I hope he'll be able to see from high up on that mountain. Jeep, you're always in our thoughts and in our hearts. I only hope that I've made you proud and that I continue to do so.
love Sis
This is Tom from Fort Myers, I'm sure you have heard about me here in Florida! I do want to say is that Jerry aka Jeep treated me and my partner with the up most respect, and I do cheerish the times that I was able to talk to him, When Ray told me Jerry was gone I had tears, he was a good man, and I will always remember him! He will be missed by everyone! I know your mom will be ok, she is a very strong woman, she has lots of family and friends that care! And I am one of them! You mom and Jerry treated me like I was family and that put a big smile on my face! Be strong and Stay Healthy! Tom
