March 30th would have been my brother Jon's 32nd birthday. He only lived to see 26 birthdays and it's very strange for me to be older now than he was when he died. He was an amazing guy, even with the life ending drug addiction he suffered from for about 6 years. He did more than his share of bad things in life - but always let me know he loved me, never denied that he knew and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a famously good friend. We are 4 years apart and he adored me as a baby, held me down and farted on my face as a teenager, and told me he admired me as an adult. Not too long before he died I was introduced to the sounds of Patty Griffin by my dear friend, Liz. How could she have known how badly I would need Patty that summer? She has several songs about death that helped me then, and have continued to help me cope with my brothers death. I have taken many lonely road trips for work in which I had to pull over to cry while listening to Patty and thinking about Jon. It was quite fitting that Patty came to town on his birthday! 
Listen at www.pattygriffin.com. Or watch this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spnBPl7Xpko it is a song called "Goodbye" which describes so well how I feel about Jon.
Listen at www.pattygriffin.com. Or watch this video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spnBPl7Xpko it is a song called "Goodbye" which describes so well how I feel about Jon.It is so amazing to see someone live that you have only listened to in your car! We loved the show - she is amazing! Go listen to her, it will change your life (it changed mine, and Steve's too)!
Aren't we cute? Doesn't Spud totally have my face?
The cutest picture of Jon ever. He loved to dress up in my dads Army duds.
Visiting Jon on Christmas - in Rehab.jpg)
Us at the show, Steve has a hard time with the camera sometimes. Below is Liz, who I love! 
I owe so much to Liz and Steve for helping understand what "good music" really is!
Aren't we cute? Doesn't Spud totally have my face?The cutest picture of Jon ever. He loved to dress up in my dads Army duds.Visiting Jon on Christmas - in RehabUs at the show, Steve has a hard time with the camera sometimes. Below is Liz, who I love! I owe so much to Liz and Steve for helping understand what "good music" really is! .jpg)
4 comments:
I love you stephie, you helped me a lot when Lindsey died. I hate those birthdays, but we both know they are in a better place. I have a hard time listening to music that involves death, but its also good to have a good cry!! Call me if you need me!
What a sweet post! Love all the pictures of you and John. Amazing music!!
You're such a sweetheart! I remember just before my sister died, she said that when we're reunited on the other side someday, it would be as if no time had passed at all--I love to think about that day. I love the pictures of you and Jonny! And I'm so happy for you that you got to go to that awesome concert!! Love you sweetie!
Love ya steph! I still remember when I found out your brother passed away. It was when Cory and I just met and it was the first time he saw me cry. Cory has a brother who passed away also. It's nice to know that our kids new their uncle in heaven! We need to get together before I move to AZ!
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