Remembering Jack with a Book and a Birthday Party
January 3, 2013 by Lillie
My beloved husband Jack died on September 23, 2012.
For years I encouraged him to write his stories, but he preferred to tell them—over and over again! I occasionally wrote a blog post about Jack, perhaps including one or more of his favorite stories.
On the morning that he died, the house soon filled with family and friends. We sat around his bed telling “Jack stories.” I had always known Jack was a very special man—a remarkable character, but I realize I am just a tiny bit biased. Hearing the memories others shared about Jack, I realized he had touched many lives and left a legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration that should be shared.
Family and friends who came to the visitation or the reception after the funeral were invited to write favorite memories of Jack on the index cards provided. I contacted others who had stories to share and prayed I didn’t overlook anyone. More than fifty friends and family members contributed stories—inspirational and funny, heartwarming and humorous, short and long. I added Jack’s favorite stories he loved to tell as well as stories from my perspective. I hope this collection of memories, anecdotes, and tributes will bring you happy memories, inspiration, and laughter, as Jack did in person throughout his life.
Before his death, we had already begun planning a party for his 80th birthday on January 3rd. We’re having the party (on Saturday, January 5th, 2- 6 PM) to celebrate Jack’s life and to introduce the book. If you’re anywhere near San Antonio, I’d love to see you at the party. Download the invitation for details.
I know that Jack is very happy now on heaven and he watches over you all the time Lillie.
Jane,
I have been blessed a few weeks after Jack died to have a chance to see how happy he is. I dreamed I was standing at the kitchen sink when a sound or motion caught my attention behind me. I looked over my should and there stood Jack–young, strong, happy, with the largest smile you can imagine. He didn’t speak or move–just stood there looking at me and radiating pure joy. How can I be sad when he’s so happy?
By the way, that story is the concluding entry in the book.
This is a wonderful tribute by you to your husband. He will be so happy to know that you wrote a book dedicated to him in his absence. I want to appreciate your love for him lady. This was really very nice of you to keep him in your memories this way.
Thomas,
He touched so many lives because he was always helping people. He made friends with everyone he met and treated everyone with respect and dignity.
Hey Lillie, I wish I could attend your late husband’s party. But I am Toronto for some business work. I am really attached to both of you as all your post conveys your love for him. I am so sure Jack must be very happy to see you involved in something which you have planned for him earlier. If given a chance, I would really love to read his book.
Peter,
It would be great if you could be here, but you can definitely get the book. It is available at amazon.com.
Hi Lille
I appreciate your passions for Jack.You are proving yourself a faithful and loving wife.Your are introducing a good and positive tradition in relationships.
Thank you, Maja. It was easy to be a loving wife to Jack.
Lillie,
What a beautiful tribute to your loving Jack. I’m so touched, and inspired.
Doris
Doris,
That means a lot coming from you. You are a master at touching emotions and inspiring people on your own blog.
Ms. Ammann–I am new to your blog. I am so sorry for your loss, but feel the love and joy you had with your husband. I am not one to write “on-line” much, but have enjoyed your blog and your story about seeing your husband, Jack, in your kitchen after he died really touched me. We lost my dad on January 7, 2012. He was one month away from his 90th birthday and a wonderful person. My family misses him so much. My two siblings and I took care of him during the last few months of his life. My sister was with him one of those nights and said he sat up suddenly and looked across the room. He turned to her and asked her if she saw the bright light. She told him that she did not, but she knew it was there if he saw it. After he died a friend, who is clairvoyant walked up to my sister and told her that she heard a message from my dad that she was to tell my sister that “The light is brighter than you can imagine”. It has been the only message, but no other has been needed. Thank you for sharing your story–this has been a hard week and it made me smile.
Suzanne,
My condolences to you and your family. I’m so glad you received that message from your father. It is so comforting to know our loved ones are happy, even though we miss them.
Hi, Lillie. What a touching tribute to your late husband. I am sure it will bring a lot of smiles and happy memories to readers. God bless!
Dawn,
Thank you. I’m excited about the party today. I know we will share lots of memories.
You’re a very loving and a sweet woman, Lillie. I admire you.
Sarah,
It was easy to love Jack. I’ve been so blessed with hearing all the wonderful stories from friends and loved ones.
It is painful to lose someone who is really close to us especially if they belong to our family. I really know how it feels like when I lost my first kid. The way you have mentioned on writing favorite memories on index cards is admirable. I hope you had celebrated Jack’s birthday with great joy. Cheers, Lillie!
Steve,
I can’t imagine the heartache of losing a child. Our children are supposed to live longer than their parents. Losing my husband of 45 years was hard, but he had lived a long and happy life. It must be harder to lose someone whose life has been brief.
This is a great idea! My brother passed away recently and I wanted to do something for him that the whole family can enjoy. This gives me something to get started on that will allow us all to cherish his life! Thanks for the motivation!
Josh,
My condolences on the loss of your brother.
I’m glad you can use my idea to celebrate the life of your brother. If you want more information about how to write a book of this type, you might want to download my ebook – Preserving Memories: How to Write a Family History. Although it says family history, much of the information will be useful for biographies, autobiographies, or any type of memory book. Look under the “books” ab to find out about the book.
[...] back here next week to download a free copy of Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr. This compilation of anecdotes about my late husband Jack is funny, inspirational, and encouraging. [...]
[...] contribution to REBW is to offer a free download of Jack Stories: Favorite Memories of Jack Jordan Ammann Jr. This compilation of anecdotes about my late husband Jack is funny, inspirational, and encouraging. [...]