True Friendship
Everyone has a personal definition of true friendship. It has been amazing to see that our collective interpretation includes commitment, honesty, personal sacrifice, and most importantly love. It's an honor to call you people my friends. I am awed by the love that has been shared with Adam and the Trowbridge family. It is a resource that we should never forget.
I spent last weekend with the Trowbridge family. I can't explain how meaningful a time I had helping to care for Adam with Anne, Jim & Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge. Adam was not able to fully engage in a consistent dialogue, however, we had numerous communications per hour that were focused and "in the present". We laughed and joked, prayed in times of pain, and lovingly passed the time. Dan Jordan spent the afternoon with us on Saturday. I was touched seeing Dan hold Adam's hand as we tried to find a comfortable position for Adam while seated on his bed and I was thrilled to see that Adam was conscious of his friend's presence. I made reference to a private joke from the college days and Adam smiled. His Mom never knew of our exchange and Adam later commented about it after his Mom had left the room. He could understand more than he could verbalize and didn't miss much of the discussion around him. I was keenly aware of the fact that Adam knew the presence of his friends and family, felt the love of those around him, and subtly communicated his appreciation. In short, it was a very sweet time in spite of the dire circumstance.
Later that evening, I watched Dan, teary eyed, kiss Adam on the head to say goodbye. It was shocking to realize that I needed to leave the room and let Dan have some privacy to share what might be his final conversation with Adam. While they were talking, I wiped my own tears in the living room. It's been a long year and still difficult to accept that we are at the end of this journey. I was able to kiss Adam on the head as I stood in front of him while he was seated on his bed, and tell him that I loved him and will forever miss him. He said "thanks" and gripped me tighter around the waist. I will cherish this memory forever.
This time spent with Adam reminded me of numerous blessings I received from our friendship. Adam taught me so much about music and the guitar. I better understand the instrument, even if I can't play one worth a damn, and have a much finer awareness and appreciation for talented musicians. I thought of him last night while Lilli and I saw Alejandro Escoveda perform a little magic with an acoustic. I plan to speak to him, say a prayer, or do something every time I get to hear some live acoustic guitar. I was also reminded of his kind spirit. He's a truly kind soul, much more kind than most of us. Even while the pain was great, Adam was sensitive to those around him. He wasn't one to wish evil thoughts. He had few, if any, enemies. He had a tremendous capacity to forgive. Adam was a really great Dad. We all love our children; but, Adam took the additional time with Marshall and Kennan to due the little things that make such a difference. This past year I gained an understanding of Adam's faith and that of his parents. His love for his little brother, Jim, is noteworthy. His personal strength has been remarkable. I have been truly blessed to have such a close relationship with Adam and the Trowbridge family.
I am also amazed at the peace I find with Adam's passing. Last Sunday while driving home to Baton Rouge, I realized that it was time. We all needed some time to share our love with Adam and we were blessed with nearly a year. His family is most appreciative of the care, support, and love that has been shared by his peers. Adam told his mother that he had chosen his friends well. Your behavior has confirmed for his family that Adam was correct about his assessment. Let us not lose touch in the coming years. Adam previously stated "maybe one of the roles for my life was to reconnect these friendships". I do not believe that our role is to bury Adam, go home, and allow time to bury our memory of him. Adam's funeral needs to be a great departure for a kind and great soul. I believe that our role for Adam continues into the future. I believe that I am better prepared teach my children about kindness and love. I believe when the day comes that I need the support of a few good friends; I will be in fine company. I love Adam and will miss him dearly.
Rucker
I spent last weekend with the Trowbridge family. I can't explain how meaningful a time I had helping to care for Adam with Anne, Jim & Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge. Adam was not able to fully engage in a consistent dialogue, however, we had numerous communications per hour that were focused and "in the present". We laughed and joked, prayed in times of pain, and lovingly passed the time. Dan Jordan spent the afternoon with us on Saturday. I was touched seeing Dan hold Adam's hand as we tried to find a comfortable position for Adam while seated on his bed and I was thrilled to see that Adam was conscious of his friend's presence. I made reference to a private joke from the college days and Adam smiled. His Mom never knew of our exchange and Adam later commented about it after his Mom had left the room. He could understand more than he could verbalize and didn't miss much of the discussion around him. I was keenly aware of the fact that Adam knew the presence of his friends and family, felt the love of those around him, and subtly communicated his appreciation. In short, it was a very sweet time in spite of the dire circumstance.
Later that evening, I watched Dan, teary eyed, kiss Adam on the head to say goodbye. It was shocking to realize that I needed to leave the room and let Dan have some privacy to share what might be his final conversation with Adam. While they were talking, I wiped my own tears in the living room. It's been a long year and still difficult to accept that we are at the end of this journey. I was able to kiss Adam on the head as I stood in front of him while he was seated on his bed, and tell him that I loved him and will forever miss him. He said "thanks" and gripped me tighter around the waist. I will cherish this memory forever.
This time spent with Adam reminded me of numerous blessings I received from our friendship. Adam taught me so much about music and the guitar. I better understand the instrument, even if I can't play one worth a damn, and have a much finer awareness and appreciation for talented musicians. I thought of him last night while Lilli and I saw Alejandro Escoveda perform a little magic with an acoustic. I plan to speak to him, say a prayer, or do something every time I get to hear some live acoustic guitar. I was also reminded of his kind spirit. He's a truly kind soul, much more kind than most of us. Even while the pain was great, Adam was sensitive to those around him. He wasn't one to wish evil thoughts. He had few, if any, enemies. He had a tremendous capacity to forgive. Adam was a really great Dad. We all love our children; but, Adam took the additional time with Marshall and Kennan to due the little things that make such a difference. This past year I gained an understanding of Adam's faith and that of his parents. His love for his little brother, Jim, is noteworthy. His personal strength has been remarkable. I have been truly blessed to have such a close relationship with Adam and the Trowbridge family.
I am also amazed at the peace I find with Adam's passing. Last Sunday while driving home to Baton Rouge, I realized that it was time. We all needed some time to share our love with Adam and we were blessed with nearly a year. His family is most appreciative of the care, support, and love that has been shared by his peers. Adam told his mother that he had chosen his friends well. Your behavior has confirmed for his family that Adam was correct about his assessment. Let us not lose touch in the coming years. Adam previously stated "maybe one of the roles for my life was to reconnect these friendships". I do not believe that our role is to bury Adam, go home, and allow time to bury our memory of him. Adam's funeral needs to be a great departure for a kind and great soul. I believe that our role for Adam continues into the future. I believe that I am better prepared teach my children about kindness and love. I believe when the day comes that I need the support of a few good friends; I will be in fine company. I love Adam and will miss him dearly.
Rucker
posted by McCracken at 5:56 PM
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