Miss You More - Year Four

Four years ago today it was a rainy day and I was at the beach on a family vacation when I received the unbelievable news about John Henry's departure. I find it interesting that today I am with much of my family again on a rainy day awaiting Hurricane Irene's arrival here on the East Coast.

John Henry always had a special gift of making his presence known to all, but a hurricane? Really? The only thing I can say is that every drop of rain today is a reminder of all the tears shed in sadness AND in happiness of having known such a charismatic soul. Love you more, my friend.

Happy Birthday, John Henry Rew!!!

If you sit and think about what John Henry might have been doing today I bet there are a number of us that have variations on a similar scenario. I envision him waking up late today after another fabulous party on the 8th Avenue rooftop. Meeting friends for brunch, and then getting a manicure. Finishing up the day at home with friends having dinner and drinks and, of course, some champagne. As I said I'm sure there are a number of variations on this similar theme but all share the common thread of celebrating a life well lived with love laughter and, best of all, friends and family.

I'm sure we all miss the concentrated energy that always surrounded our favorite red-head, however, on a beautiful March day it is hard to not feel it all around us when thinking of how he would be spending it. On what has come to be called "Random Acts of Orange" day, remember to be kind to those around you as well as to yourself. You most likely would have been having a great day celebrating with him so why not just celebrate for him?

"Random" Birthday Wishes

So sad sometimes it seems to me
to not have seen your face
to continue on the journey
in this, now so different, place.

But today I'll focus on the glow
of your wonderful orange hue
So that those who missed your presence here
will know the FABULOSITY of you!

Happy Birthday, my dear friend! And Happy Random Acts of Orange Day to EVERYONE! Although today is the official day(March 27), don't wait to make an impact on someone's life - do it everyday in big and small ways. Do something for no reason other than because you can. Be generous. Dream big. Listen. Most importantly - love, unconditionally and with abandon. These are some of the gifts bestowed upon us because of our relationships with John Henry...so SHARE them everyday and in everyway with everyone! Tell us how you spent your Random Acts of Orange day here at Forever Orange...Inspire us, just like he did! ;-D

Doing it John Henry Style...at the Beach!

I'm away on vaca with my family at the beach...just as I was two years ago when everything changed. I go to a lot of beaches, living at the Jersey shore, and it doesn't matter where I go - I always feel a piece of John Henry around me when I'm there.

I think it is the carefree attitude that the beach brings out in most people that takes hold and gives me a John Henry-sized hug...I know you all know the hug I'm talking about. :-D So, before the Summer ends be sure to get to a beach. Whether you go to Fire Island, Brigantine, Kehena Beach, or even Obelisk Beach in Sydney do it and enjoy it John Henry style!

2nd Anniversary - As Posted by John & Helen Rew

Hi Friends and Family. Sunday, the 23 rd of August will mark the second anniversary of John Henry's passing. This year, let us not shed tears, but celebrate the time we had him in our lives. On Sunday, please do as John Henry would do, extend a kindness to a friend or stranger, laugh hysterically at nothing at all, dance until your feet fall off, dream, be happy and remember him with a smile on you face. (of COURSE, having a cocktail or two wouldn't hurt) Love you all, Helen and John

A Tribute in Orange - Part III

I will never stop being amazed at the far-reaching impact John Henry had on those that crossed his path - even if only for a short time. This week as Gay Pride is celebrated I know that he is missed. How could you not miss that beautiful boy draped in that beautiful flag?

Here is yet another example of how he is remembered everywhere he went.

www.frogmeadow.com/blog

A Tribute in Orange - Part II

- As posted by Tara McQuaid Cullen -
Today I got my first tattoo....to remember a wonderful friend and what he meant to me.

It will be two years this August that we lost John Henry (that's just so hard to believe). Not a day goes by that I don't think of him. There has been countless times when I wish I could just text or call him, because there is nothing you couldn't share with Henry. There is shit that if I dished to him today, he'd be shocked. For 3 seconds. Then laugh his ass off, put a drink in my hand and tell me how great I am. I miss him.

Actually, this tattoo is somewhat selfish. Yes, it is for a wonderful friend who we all miss. But more importantly, it is a reminder to myself.

The butterfly symbolizes gliding through this life with grace and ease and with that positive, carefree attitude John Henry seemed to easily call upon. It is a reminder that life is short. That with growth and hardships come confidence. With confidence, strength. And altho butterflies seem frail, they fly fearlessly and beautifully thru their short life.

The orange is well...the orange...lol.. to me it's a reminder of Henry's overwhelming passionate spirit. He embodied qualities that I used to just wish for. He still inspires me to love better and live better. To celebrate myself (there's only one), and to celebrate others. To live uncensored and with great passion. To embrace differences, welcome challenges, and not be afraid of change. To find a dream, chase a dream, and make it happen. To not worry about carrying no cash (lol). To live for this moment. To find a way. To feel out loud. To say yes. To smile at strangers. To name it, and do it. To jump. To create. To go big or go home. To have fun. To not be afraid to tell your friends & family I love you. Or I love you more.

If it wasn't for Henry, I wouldn't know myself as well. He used to see me better than I saw myself. He saw everyone he knew in the best possible light. There were no faults or judgements, no expectations, he just loved you unabashedly, and you couldn't help but to love him.

I realized with John Henry it's not about being like him, it's about applying his attitude when embracing yourself and others. So this little orange butterfly is my constant reminder to just be the best possible me and see the best around me. To remember the orange in him, bring out the orange in me, and find the orange in others....And if that means having a little extra fun along the way, that's okay.... John Henry would totally approve :)