Friends,I have sent Ron this blog entry and have taken his suggestion that I sent it out the "old way," too, to make sure you are updated on me. I am getting those questions from a variety of people, "Are you OK? How are you doing?" I started this entry last night and finished it today.
August 28, 2008
A dear soul gave me the following prose that is so true for me: "You think that their dying is the worst thing that could happen. Then they stay dead." (Donald Hall)
It's been two months without Jack now. Although I am more accustomed to being alone, I am not accustomed to the loneliness. The reality of his passing sinks deeper, and thus, it hurts deeper when it hurts. I still want to converse with him about something I saw or heard, something we would both get a chuckle, a tear, or tinge of outrage. I catch myself several times a day just wanting to see his face and his smile, next to me in the car, sitting at the dining room table, washing dishes. I miss reaching out and touching him, holding hands, being hugged. I miss the "second opinion," the helping hand with everyday tasks and errands, and his presence in the house. I miss him looking at me, being looked at with affection and devotion and commitment. Certain musical lyrics will drain my resolve and strength, seemingly able to gather into one song what I feel and think, and I am weeping. And then I hit "repeat" and listen to it, again and again.
I worded my essence without Jack as "just me" for awhile, and, now, it's evolving to "still me." I've learned that I can do whatever it takes to keep this house as mine. That is comforting. I can manage my time and tasks, although I live by lists to keep me focus. That is comforting. I stumble through those "1st time" moments, being painfully reminded that it's "just me." Simple things like renting a video, watching a favorite TV show, to more emotional like having a birthday or noting the elapsing time has become 2 whole months already. But I get through them as "still me." And that is comforting.
The crazy part of my tasks/errands reminder is I will think of something that needs to be done, but the original list is upstairs or downstairs, and I quickly grab the nearest piece of paper and write the note, knowing I will forget it otherwise. I spend a part of a day gathering these notes onto ONE page. My best "note fiasco" thus far was, while at the cabin recently, writing all that I needed to bring from home back to the cabin. I left it in my shorts' pocket and I thought of this just as the washer went into its wash cycle. I'm frantically pulling out this 100% soaked pair of shorts, praying the note is still somewhat intact. Nope. Got a "clean" slate on that note. Hope nothing was vital, as brain also has a clean slate on that list. :-/
A part of his ashes will be placed behind a retaining wall at the cabin on Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. That "burial" is another nudge to the brain and heart that Jack is gone. I've bought a single brick that is different in color than all the other bricks to be "his brick" in the wall. That will be a good reminder of all that that place meant to him and that he will always be there.
More than anything else, I want people to know I am OK. My dog helps motivate me to get out of bed in the morning, and that is good. I put on my under garments correctly, and clothes are right side out and facing the right way. That is good, too. There's not a day goes by that I don't' cry. It still is sometimes unbelievable that Jack is gone and unbelievably painful at times. But, know that I moving forward into the life I should be living,..in the here and now.
Tally
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
Some of the "Wallace Words"
Paraphrased somewhat from a poem by Claudia Minden Weisz:
God Said No
I asked God to take away my habit. I imagine Him to say
* NO - It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up
I asked God to grant me patience. I imagine Him to say
*NO - Patience is a by-product of tribulations - it isn't granted, it is learned
I asked God to give me patience. I imagine Him to say
*NO - I give you blessings - Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. I imagine Him to say
*NO - Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares; and brings you closer to ME.
I asked God to heal my friend. I imagine Him to say
* NO - your friend's spirit is whole and his body is only temporary.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. I imagine Him to say
*NO - How about I give you life that you might have it more abundantly.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. I imagine Him to say
*NO - You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God to help me to love others as much as He loves me. I imagine Him to say
*AHHHH...you finally have the idea...
God Said No
I asked God to take away my habit. I imagine Him to say
* NO - It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up
I asked God to grant me patience. I imagine Him to say
*NO - Patience is a by-product of tribulations - it isn't granted, it is learned
I asked God to give me patience. I imagine Him to say
*NO - I give you blessings - Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. I imagine Him to say
*NO - Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares; and brings you closer to ME.
I asked God to heal my friend. I imagine Him to say
* NO - your friend's spirit is whole and his body is only temporary.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. I imagine Him to say
*NO - How about I give you life that you might have it more abundantly.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. I imagine Him to say
*NO - You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God to help me to love others as much as He loves me. I imagine Him to say
*AHHHH...you finally have the idea...
Bill Stewart provided some pics...........
Bill Stewart provided these pics.We're not sure, but we think this lady below is Jack's Crazy Cousin Gertrude. (Actually, you know it's Jack).
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Celebration Program (in case you didn't get one today)
Jack Ray Reynolds
May 9, 1947-June 28, 2008
Jack was born in Spokane, Washington to Ralph and Dorothy Reynolds. He had an older sister, Deedie (Edith), whom he tormented as only an younger brother can do. He graduated from North Central High School, where he was on both the football and wrestling teams. After pledging Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and a part of the university wrestling team at the UW, with hopes of being a nursing student, Jack later transferred to Eastern Wash. Univ., graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Phys. Education. He eventually earned his Master In Science at the UW in 1973. Issaquah School District hired Jack in 1969 to teach at Issaquah Middle School (1969-74). He later helped with the opening of Pine Lake Middle School (1974-1978), and finally settled in Maywood Middle School (1979-2006.) He taught numerous subjects, including Science, Math, Wood Shop, Health, and Phys. Education. Jack coached several middle level football, wrestling, and track teams, and coached Liberty High School’s girls’ volleyball teams. Over the years, he served as Activity Coordinator, ASB Advisor, and Athletic Director. Jack was well-known in both the softball umpires and wrestling officials communities, at the local, state, regional, and national levels, having received numerous accolades for his service and officiating. From first marriage, Jack has two sons, Scott (Michelle) and Steve (Kelly), and now three grandchildren, Casey, Jake, and Skyler. Jack always brought a joke or two to whomever needed a smile and a helping hand to those in need. His love for his wife, Tally, and all animals, especially his own dog, Annie B was obvious to all.
Special Note of Appreciation
Special thanks to Claudia Fast, Glenda Kimsey, & Ron Roots; to friends who helped with the details of the Celebration; to those who traveled far or re-arranged the day to be here; to the dozen of card writers; to those who prayed and supported us through Jack’s “Last Match.”
Achievements and Awards
In Loving Memory of Jack R. Reynolds
August 22, 2008 10:00 a.m.
Vasa Hall, Bellevue, Washington
Welcome
Jack’s Life and Accomplishments
Words and Personal Stories
From Family and Friends
Reading: That Man is a Success
Slide Show
Closing Remarks
Reading: Prayer of St. Theresa
Refreshments
Master of Ceremonies: Ron Roots
THAT MAN IS A SUCCESS ..who has lived well, laughed often and moved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his tasks; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
~~Robert Stevenson~~
May 9, 1947-June 28, 2008
Jack was born in Spokane, Washington to Ralph and Dorothy Reynolds. He had an older sister, Deedie (Edith), whom he tormented as only an younger brother can do. He graduated from North Central High School, where he was on both the football and wrestling teams. After pledging Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and a part of the university wrestling team at the UW, with hopes of being a nursing student, Jack later transferred to Eastern Wash. Univ., graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Phys. Education. He eventually earned his Master In Science at the UW in 1973. Issaquah School District hired Jack in 1969 to teach at Issaquah Middle School (1969-74). He later helped with the opening of Pine Lake Middle School (1974-1978), and finally settled in Maywood Middle School (1979-2006.) He taught numerous subjects, including Science, Math, Wood Shop, Health, and Phys. Education. Jack coached several middle level football, wrestling, and track teams, and coached Liberty High School’s girls’ volleyball teams. Over the years, he served as Activity Coordinator, ASB Advisor, and Athletic Director. Jack was well-known in both the softball umpires and wrestling officials communities, at the local, state, regional, and national levels, having received numerous accolades for his service and officiating. From first marriage, Jack has two sons, Scott (Michelle) and Steve (Kelly), and now three grandchildren, Casey, Jake, and Skyler. Jack always brought a joke or two to whomever needed a smile and a helping hand to those in need. His love for his wife, Tally, and all animals, especially his own dog, Annie B was obvious to all.
Special Note of Appreciation
Special thanks to Claudia Fast, Glenda Kimsey, & Ron Roots; to friends who helped with the details of the Celebration; to those who traveled far or re-arranged the day to be here; to the dozen of card writers; to those who prayed and supported us through Jack’s “Last Match.”
Achievements and Awards
Wrestling
41 years of service: official, assignor, board member, state rules clinician, state evaluator. 38 years officiating 20 state championships 2001 restling Official of the Year, Nat’l. Fed. Officials Assoc.
41 years of service: official, assignor, board member, state rules clinician, state evaluator. 38 years officiating 20 state championships 2001 restling Official of the Year, Nat’l. Fed. Officials Assoc.
2001 Puget Sound Referee of the Year
2005 Meritorious Service Award, Wash. Officials Assoc.
2006 Hall of Fame Induction, Wash. Officials Assoc.
2007 Dr. William A. Tomaras Award for Leadership, Development, & Promotion of Wrestling in Wash. State
2007 WIAA Hall of Fame Induction
2008 Nat’l. Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction for Lifetime
Service to Wrestling
Softball
21 years of service: official, board member. 6 ASA National Championships officiated. (Member of Nat’l. Indicator Fraternity.)
Officiated the Pac-10. Officiated 5 State High School Championships
2003 Ray Houghton Umpire Award 2007 Softball Official of the Year (WIAA) 2007 Award named after Jack for service, dedication, and excellence in high school softball umpiring.
Washington Activity Coordinator Association (WACA)
Pres. Elect, Pres., and Past President 1992-1994
Board Member 1989-1991Presenter at Conferences
2005 Meritorious Service Award, Wash. Officials Assoc.
2006 Hall of Fame Induction, Wash. Officials Assoc.
2007 Dr. William A. Tomaras Award for Leadership, Development, & Promotion of Wrestling in Wash. State
2007 WIAA Hall of Fame Induction
2008 Nat’l. Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction for Lifetime
Service to Wrestling
Softball
21 years of service: official, board member. 6 ASA National Championships officiated. (Member of Nat’l. Indicator Fraternity.)
Officiated the Pac-10. Officiated 5 State High School Championships
2003 Ray Houghton Umpire Award 2007 Softball Official of the Year (WIAA) 2007 Award named after Jack for service, dedication, and excellence in high school softball umpiring.
Washington Activity Coordinator Association (WACA)
Pres. Elect, Pres., and Past President 1992-1994
Board Member 1989-1991Presenter at Conferences
In Loving Memory of Jack R. Reynolds
August 22, 2008 10:00 a.m.
Vasa Hall, Bellevue, Washington
Welcome
Jack’s Life and Accomplishments
Words and Personal Stories
From Family and Friends
Reading: That Man is a Success
Slide Show
Closing Remarks
Reading: Prayer of St. Theresa
Refreshments
Master of Ceremonies: Ron Roots
THAT MAN IS A SUCCESS ..who has lived well, laughed often and moved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and love of children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his tasks; who leaves the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
~~Robert Stevenson~~
Wow, What a Celebration!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU all for helping celebrate Jack's Life today. We heard some awesome stories about Jack's Love for Life. Here are a few pictures from the ceremony.
If you have some good digital pics of the COL, pls email them to me at captronr@gmail.com and I'll post them here.
Again, thanks for making this a great day.
Ron
Friday, August 1, 2008
Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund
Chuck Tompkins and a group of people have initiated the Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund. Here are the words on their flyer:
Jack Reynolds graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Physical Education, and then secured his Masters in Education at The University of Washington. Along with his being an educator for 36 years, he is known as a Wrestling and Softball Official at the State and National levels. His love of sport and dedication to students led him to a career that included coaching Wrestling, Football, Track, and Volleyball. In 2008, Jack was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime of dedication to the sport.
The Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund’s primary goal is to establish a perpetual fund to assist a student athlete’s post secondary education. The scholarship award will specifically recognize student athletes who exemplify qualities modeled and instilled by Jack: scholarship, sportsmanship, integrity, dedication, and mentorship.
Please send donations to:
Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 294
Renton, WA 98057-0294
Website under construction- www.JackReynoldsScholarshipFund.com
Jack Reynolds graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Physical Education, and then secured his Masters in Education at The University of Washington. Along with his being an educator for 36 years, he is known as a Wrestling and Softball Official at the State and National levels. His love of sport and dedication to students led him to a career that included coaching Wrestling, Football, Track, and Volleyball. In 2008, Jack was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for his lifetime of dedication to the sport.
The Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund’s primary goal is to establish a perpetual fund to assist a student athlete’s post secondary education. The scholarship award will specifically recognize student athletes who exemplify qualities modeled and instilled by Jack: scholarship, sportsmanship, integrity, dedication, and mentorship.
Please send donations to:
Jack Reynolds Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 294
Renton, WA 98057-0294
Website under construction- www.JackReynoldsScholarshipFund.com
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