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 :)

A Tribute in Orange - Part I

The message below was sent from David Grabarkewitz on May 2, 2009:

Dear friends -- While vacationing in Hawaii last month on the Big Island, where JH and I spent so much time, I ran across two marvelous friends, Scott and David, that we had met on our first trip there.

We had a great time re-acquainting ourselves, and, on recommendation of our friend, Kimo, native to the islands, and his partner Barcus, we held a traditional Hawaiian ceremony for John Henry on my last day there: Kimo and Barcus created Leis for all of us, and we stood at a point overlooking the Pacific as Kimo chanted, then made an offering to the sea in memory of him.

If you get to Kalani, or Kehena Beach in Hawaii, you can think of him, as I will.

Cheers,

David

Happy Birthday and Thanks for the Orange!

"Happy Birthday, Whore!" That was the greeting many of his friends probably heard at one time or another. And of course, it was the most heartfelt happy birthday sentiment from our favorite redhead.

Well today, I return the favor..."Happy Birthday, Whore...I love you more!"

Today (March 27) is Random Acts of Orange day in honor of John Henry's birthday. Don't forget to do Random Acts of Orange - it will make you feel good and someone else will feel good too. Now if that's not the John Henry spirit alive and kicking I don't know what is!

And on another note - as I was contemplating what my Random Act of Orange would be today, I realized that John Henry was my Random Act of Orange. He was a Random Act of Orange in each of our lives and he probably didn't even know it.

So I hope you all have an awesome day today - make it great! And, John Henry, thanks for your orange!

Spring is Springing!

Spring has sprung...almost. We are only one week away from the official start of Spring and that means two things to me right now:

1. Time to come out of hibernation. Time to get
motivated, get movin,
and get blogging.
2. Random Acts of
Orange Day is right around the corner!

That's right! March 27th is Random Acts of Orange day. The day celebrates the birth of John Henry Rew and honors his spirit of love and inclusion. The concept is easy...

do something nice for someone that could use a little nice in their life.

I'm sure we all have people in our lives or know someone who could use a friendly gesture and in these times there are many we don't know that could benefit from some simple kindness. Pay someone's toll or subway fare, watch your sister's kids, volunteer your time, money, empathetic ear, or your hands to someone just because you can. Just be nice.

Maybe you do this everyday but try to make a special effort on March 27 to go out of your way for someone. Perform a Random Act of Orange and keep John Henry close at hand and in your heart.

And since we're on the subject, I think the nicest thing that JH ever did for me was introduce me to his family and friends - closely followed by giving me my "favorite" kangaroo-paw corkscrew! ;-) What was the nicest thing he did for you? We'd love to know, big or small, what Random Act of Orange you were blessed with.