Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry—
I am not there... I did not die...
February 28, 1998 ~Happy Tenth Anniversary, Pooh. Ten years ago we stood in a snow covered field in the shadow of Mt. Katahdin and pledged ourselves to each other, 'till death do us part. That part came far too soon, but your love, and our love through our children, lives on. I miss you each and every day. Love, Your Pooh~
I have never had the honor of knowing anyone so giving and loving. John used to laugh at me locking our home. "Maybe someone needs it more than us," he always said. He loved doing massive cookouts and he loved nothing more than inviting everyone to the house, where he would cook 2 or 3 types of meat, 3 or 4 veggies, appetizers, rolls, you name it. No one but NO ONE left our home hungry.
Almost three years ago our neighbors, who we knew casually, lost their home in a fire. John didn't hesitate. He invited our neighbors and their four sons to move in until they rebuilt. That took over 6 months. It was a bit chaotic, but John loved it, loved helping. We truly had a grand time, and our 'neighbors' went to 'best friends.' As John's brother Joe said, John was the best of the Good Samaritan and the poor woman from the Bible rolled into one. If he could do anything for someone in need, you can be assured that he did it. It was our neighbors who came to my side and helped me through those first horrible days, and they are there for us, still. ~Kathryn Rose
THE MEASURE OF A MAN
Not "How did he die?" But "How did he live?"
Not "What did he gain?" But "what did he give?"
Not "What was his station?" But "Had he a heart?"
and "How did he play his God-given part?"
Not "What was is shrine?" Nor "What was his creed?
But "Had he befriended those really in need?"
Not "What did the piece in the newspaper say?"
But "How many were sorry when he passed away?"
Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,
to bring back a smile, to banish a tear?"
These are the units to measure the worth of a man
as a man, regardless of birth.
Eulogy for John written and read at his funeral by his daughter, Allyson:
If you walked up to some random person and asked them what 14,831 meant to them, they'd think you were crazy. But, if you asked me, I'd reply, the amount of days my father blessed this earth with his presence.
We all can remember him as the big kid of the family... always in for the fun part of everything. The countless "hookeyla's", belly button stories, hikes up Mt. Katahdin, vacations at gramps camp and everyday adventures with dad were always amazing. Everything happend simply because "we were Roses, and thats what Roses do."
So many things run through my mind when I think of my father; humorous, joyful, happy go lucky, daring, but most of all loving. During happy times he was the life of the party, and when you were feeling down he was the first person to always make you crack a smile. As he passes on through the gates of heaven today, I am assured hes watching over us all with god, keeping us close underneath his wing. His love for us will never die or fade, just as our's for him will remain forever.
Although his life was cut short to only 41 years, he made the world a brighter place for those 41 years. We all remember him a the light of the family, but for now and forever, he will be the light in my heart that will keep me going day to day. And just to wrap it all up; I said it when I was younger, promised him my words would remain true, and always made sure he knew, " It will always be cool to hang out with dad." I'll miss you Daddy... rest in peace. - Allyson Rose
"Blessings"
I have been blessed.
I am blessed with two beautiful daughters.
I am blessed with two intelligent and thoughtful stepchildren.
I am blessed with my mother and father, my sister and brother.
I am blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law and many caring in-laws.
I am blessed with devoted friends.
I am blessed to call John's friends my own.
I am blessed with a lifetime of memories.
I have been blessed with knowing a love many never find.
I am blessed because John loves me.
My best friend.
~Kathryn T. Rose April 2007
