Memorial

A Memorial For The Family & Friends Of John D. Jackson

John was my uncle, my counseler, & my friend. He has comforted me many
times throughout my life, yet I hurt that I wasn't able to return the favor. But
looking back I realize, that John never needed anyone to give him advice.
Because he seemed to always know the route & the coarse he was taking. He
lived life in the moment, never taking time, or life for granted. If only I could
strive to be more like him, I too would be able to appreciate the smaller things
a little better, perhaps paying closer attention to the people in my own life.
Anyone who was ever blessed by knowing John will forever miss the
interactions we had with him. For he treated every day like it was the last. So
he had a lifetime of wonderful memories, even though he was with us for such
a short time.

These are the poems that I read at John's funeral. I hope that by making
them available for everyone, that perhaps other families & groups who are
coping with the loss of a loved one can find comfort in them. Feel free to print
them out for yourself, or perhaps to give to others.

Dear John...

by: Ronnie T.

Now that you find yourself, flying on high,

It leaves me this last chance, for one more goodbye.

Although our blood has never connected, me to you,

we were always family, through & through.

You were always there for me, never to busy with yourself,

Even when the ravages of disease, threatened your very health.

You always talked to us, like children of your own,

But the words will now fade, now that you are gone.

It's been raining in my head, since the moment you passed,

If only time could stand still, or perhaps memories forever last.

Because a lifetime, of a heart like yours,

Is never enough, to stop the tears that pours.

But once again, we must get to that final goodbye,

I will try to get through, even though I might cry.

Please take with you, my feelings of love,

On your final vacation, to the heavens above.

We shall stay here, but only for now,

Because we too, shall take a final bow.

When that time comes, I know I will make it through,

Because I know in my heart, we shall be greeted by you.

So that brings us, to our final goodbye,

I know now, that I should not cry.

For this is not really, our final goodbye,

Because we shall meet again, somewhere in the sky.

John & his wife Jackie

The following two poems were written by John , to his wife Jackie (my aunt), &
left them to her on his passing. We never thought of John by himself, but as a
part of Jackie. They were high-school sweethearts, and spent most of their lives
together. They were rarely apart, and when you spoke of one, you were quick to
mention the other. Therefore, "Jack & John" was a normal phrase used by all
that knew them.

If I Knew It Would Be The Last Time

By John Jackson

If I knew it would be the last time

That I'd see you fall asleep

I would tuck you in more tightly

And pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I Knew it would be the last time

I would see you walk out the door

I would give you a kiss and hug

and call you back for onr more.

If I knew it would be the last time

I could spare an extra minute

To stop and say 'I love you'

Instead of assuming you know I do.

If I Knew it would be the last time

I would be there to share your day

Well I was sure you'd have so many more

So I can let this one just slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow

To make up for an oversight

And we'll always get a second chance

To make sure everything is just right.

There will always be another day

To say 'I love you'

And certainly there's another chance

To say 'Anything I can do'

But just in case, I might be wrong

And today is all I get

I'd like to say how much I love you

And hope that we'll never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone

Young or old alike

And today may be the last chance

You get to hold your loved one tight

So if you're waiting for tomorrow

Why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes

You'll surely regret the day.

That you din't take that extra time

for a smile, a hug, or a kiss

And that you were too busy to grant someone

What turned out to be their last wish.

So hold your loved one close today

And whisper in their ear

Tell them how much you love them

And you'll always hold them dear.

Take time to say 'I'm Sorry', 'Please'

'Forgive Me', 'Thank You', or 'It's Okay'

And If tomorrow never comes

You'll have no regrets about today.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

By John Jackson

When tommorow starts without me,

and I'm not there to see

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

The way you did today

While thinking of the many things

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me

As much as I love you

And each time that you think of me

I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me

Please try to understand

That an angel came and called my name

And took me by the hand.

And said my place was ready

In the beautiful skies above

And that I would have to leave behind

All those that I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away

A tear fell from me eye

For all my life I'd always thought

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for

So much yet to do

It seemed almost impossible

That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad

I thought of all the love we shared

And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday

Even for a little while

I'd say goodbye and kiss you

And even make you smile.

But then I fully realized

That this could never be

For emptiness and memories

Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things

I might miss come tomorrow

I thought of you and when I did

My heart was filled with sorrow.

So when tommorow starts without me

Don't think we're far apart

For everytime you think of me

I'm right there in your heart.

I hope that all of John's friends & families find comfort in these writings. If you would like a
copy of anything on this webpage, feel free to email me anytime. Thanks.

Ronnie "The Drifter" Thompson

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