For Jim

Are we to love only those who deserve our love? Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.
- Matthew 5:43-45

For Jim:

Jim is the best friend of my mom. Though he passed away on Dec. 2, 2007, I still say that he “is” because I believe that those who give love to this world, and those who are loved, never leave, and never truly die. Jim is one of those people.

I think that one of the lasting memories of Jim would be his amazing capacity for forgiveness and love. He was able to forgive and love throughout many years of misunderstandings, anger, bitterness, and grief. His voice still comes through, “Why can’t we all just get along?” To us, it’s a funny memory and to others it may seem like a joke, but come to find out, there’s an innocent hope there that I think is all too often lost in the shuffle. He lived by this simple question, and died because someone else couldn’t answer it. Turns out it’s easy to ask, nearly impossible to answer. I think if we all tried a little harder though, maybe eventually we could help each other get closer to the answer. What do you think?



Cheers, Jim: To Love.