My Hero Has Left This Realm

Today I am grateful for the comfort of my family, friends, 

and the closest in proximity, my furkids.

Quiet morning

 

He was rather a striking hippy, here with his Samoyeds.

I got a text yesterday around noon from Texas, from my older sister, Pat.  'Brenda called and Johnny's in the local hospital, he's not expected to make it.  If they can get him stabilized they'll move him to a larger hospital.  Sis.'

Here come the tears.

Holly, Johnny & me on family vacation in the Hill Country

I called Brenda, Johnny's wife (and my 'sister from another mother') and she said shakily, 'Talk fast, I can see the helicopter in the distance.  Pray.  Pray hard.'

Hope.

Mom, Holly, me, Johnny, Pat, Dad - gathered for Holly's wedding.

The hope was short-lived.  His beautiful daughters started heading to Springfield to see him, to say their good-byes.

If nothing else, he taught them how to love big.  They are amazing.

Happiness.

Last night, his outrageous, wild, huge spirit left the tiny container of his 6'4 human body.

His heart was so big.  He touched many with his powerful love.

They broke the mold with his bad self.

 

That's all I have for now.
You will always be my hero.  

Johnny & Brenda on the Softail.

Fly on, big brother.