Last night, a very dear friend of ours (who was like a Dad to me, and one of Michael's best friends) passed on. I wanted to make sure the close family and friends all knew before I posted in a status, but the story has always been incredible - as are all stories about love and real connections.
I met Gina in St Louis, MO, just before we moved to Elk Grove, CA - and we discovered that, without knowing it, we'd moved across the country - and across the street - from her parents, Andre and Rosemary. From day one, Gina and I have been like sisters - and they, and the other close friends, have become our second family.
My son, Mische, spent quite a bit of time learning to cook with Rosemary and we all spent wonderful time eating, drinking, and reveling in all that love. The guys all spent so much time together, I don't think there were many days in 2 years we weren't hanging out.
When we left Elk Grove and moved to Phoenix, AZ last year, the hardest part was being so far away from them - and spending last Christmas with them was just not enough time.
When we left Elk Grove and moved to Phoenix, AZ last year, the hardest part was being so far away from them - and spending last Christmas with them was just not enough time.
Family isn't always blood - it's the people you connect deeply with, and love. Always, love. Always, family.
This is Andre (far right) and 4 of the men who called him a best friend (from left to right) - Z Wayne, Michael Allen (my Husband), Larnie, and Michael Christopher:
I nicknamed them The De'Vine Brothers
In honor of him and everything he gave to us, I wrote a little bit about what he taught me. Good parents teach their children lessons about life, even if they aren't our blood relations. I wanted to share it with all of you:
My Soul Dad, Andre.
He was one of the most loving people I have ever known and he reminds me now - to slow down - and get to know each other, first.
I may say relationship building is key, but how often have I blown into meetings like I am on fire to work and forgot the fine art of living in the moment.
Of building love.
Of treasuring people and our time together.
We see the caps, and we think NOW means AHHHHHHHHHHH... when NOW means, STOP!
Breath. Settle. Feel. Get comfortable. Hug. Listen. Smile. Sing. Eat. Drink. Move. Love.
He was one of the most comfortable people I have ever known, and he spread so much life to those around him. Sure, he was well aware of how human he was... but he was always present for others.
Always a crooked arm and shoulder you could just sit within and be yourself.
In the end, we have one life. I hope we all use our lives as well as Andre used his.
He was one of the most loving people I have ever known and he reminds me now - to slow down - and get to know each other, first.
I may say relationship building is key, but how often have I blown into meetings like I am on fire to work and forgot the fine art of living in the moment.
Of building love.
Of treasuring people and our time together.
We see the caps, and we think NOW means AHHHHHHHHHHH... when NOW means, STOP!
Breath. Settle. Feel. Get comfortable. Hug. Listen. Smile. Sing. Eat. Drink. Move. Love.
He was one of the most comfortable people I have ever known, and he spread so much life to those around him. Sure, he was well aware of how human he was... but he was always present for others.
Always a crooked arm and shoulder you could just sit within and be yourself.
In the end, we have one life. I hope we all use our lives as well as Andre used his.
<3,
Jonni
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