John gives so much to so many people. He is kind and generous and always thinks the best of those around him.
He is an amazing man and I wanted to offer those who know him this opportunity to let him know what you think about him and the wonderful impact he has had on you. One of the greatest gifts we can give people is their impact on us. Both good and bad.
I think the really hard thing is to be open to how wonderful we are.
Can John take it? Let's see. I think so.
We invite you to post your comments about John here.
John, I don't believe you've ever really known how I view you... Let's just say, Pamalah is one fortunate woman!
ReplyDeleteFrom a distance I've watched your kindness and warmth and the effect it's had on people. You've carried a quiet strength with you that I've fed off of over the years just knowing you're near when the storm is bearing down on us or we're destined to ride it out in Barney's Hole.
Thank you for your great sense of humor that you interjet at all the right moments... And most of all a fair and intellengent perspective.
We're all gonna love the shit out of you when you're 64!!
Hey, Old Friend, There is just something about having known you for nigh on to 40 years, that is somewhat mind boggling! Actually, the miles have separated us for so many of those years, but even so, when we meet it's as though no time or distance has happened. Always enjoy our connection. I love your never failing sense of humor; your good liberal heart, your honesty. And so, my friend, in those immortal Beattle's lyrics:
ReplyDeleteSend me a postcard, drop me a line
Stating point of view
Indicate precisely what you mean
to say
Yours sincerely, Wasting Away :) Syl
John,
ReplyDeleteYou have been a friend and neighbor for many years now. Always, you have an interesting conversation to offer and often it is in the middle of the road, late at night, with multiple dogs, milling around. You have always been kind and generous with me. Generous with your time and energy and enthusiasm. I can drop in anytime, usually unannounced, well the dogs announce my arrival 10 seconds beforehand, and both you and Pamelah are welcoming and open hearted. Congratulations on being one of the youngest 64's I know.
Best Wishes,
Andy
Happy Birthday, John! I have really enjoyed getting to know you the past few years. You are full of interesting surprises and I always have fun talking with you. I am grateful and inspired by your generosity and kindness. I love your appreciation of animals and the environment, and your connection with nature. From our walks to open space with dogs, to reminiscing about life in MD, to your guidance and patience in helping me choose and buy my van, and shelter through the winter; you have been a true and kind friend. I am so thankful to have you and Pamalah in my life. You are genuine and unique and a true gift to the world. May your year ahead be the best one yet, filled with love, laughter, friends, fun adventures, happy surprises, good health, prosperity, peace, the wonders of nature, and all that makes you happy! :) Love, Donna, Kimba, and Lammi.
ReplyDeleteCousin John,
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you very well growing up, although we are much closer in age now than we were as children. :-)
I remember a time 10 years ago when I was in San Fran for a conference and you and Pamalah were gracious enough to invite me to your home to visit and to stay in that wonderful cabin.
That evening, John, you and I spent a lot of time talking and I was (and am) so impressed with your gentle strength and amazing insights into people. That was a turning point for me in my relationship with you.
I am so glad we are friends and so proud we are cousins.
Happy Birthday, cuz. See you soon.
Love,
Barbara
Dear John,
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder what my life would look like, with no Johnny G in it.. As I think back 15 years or so, I can still remember the first time I met you-it was waiting in line for gas for hours in the middle of Baja and all of a sudden there you were chatting it up with that little relaxed smile you get-taking 8 kids out on an adventure.
I owe you a lot because you always believed in me, trusted me to grow and take on new challenges, even when my experience was lacking somehow you just knew that I could get it done and you were willing to take the risk, and allow me to grow and make mistakes. When I did make mistakes over the years, you never judged and you were always at your best when it mattered the most, patient, and speaking kind words softly as wise men often do.
You are a good man Johnny, with a big heart, and you have been a good teacher to me over all these years. So much more than just a boss, and I consider you a good friend.
Hope your 64th Birthday is amazing and wonderful, with intense golden sunshine and bouts of deep satisfying laughter and joy...
best wishes,
-jeff
Happy Birthday John! I'll have to look you up someday, now that I live in the southwest. My wife and I moved to the Show Low, AZ area because of the lakes with kayaking opportunities and the opportunity to photograph the canyons and sights in all directions from there. Hopefully next fall we can come and find you and see what a 64-year-old guy looks like. I could document it with my camera, ya know, for a study or something... We'll compare my photos to how good you used to look! But we'll still love ya. Good day to you! Bob
ReplyDeletehappy birthday cousin!!!
ReplyDeleteso grateful we have been able to grow closer in these recent years. i am looking forward to much more time together, and wishing you the happiest of birthday!!
much much much love, rachel
Wishing you a happy birthday from half a globe away in the heat of the tropics, John!
ReplyDeleteLet's celebrate when I return home with Pamalah and Glen next week.
With love,
Chen-Ley
Big brother,
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting that,although much has changed since I was 8 and you were 13, I still do what you say! You were an inspiration in many ways (not always good) but particularly in literature, politics and philosophy of life. For that I'm deeply grateful and changed.
I particularly remember when you gave away the family cat at a party in High School. Good move...
Much love, Brah-man!
Chas.
Johnny G.
ReplyDeleteIt was 1991, 20 years ago, I answered a personal ad while living in San Francisco. Very uncharacteristic of me, in fact, it was the first and last time I answered a personal ad. This is how I met Willie, who took me to Forest Knolls to go bike riding and introduced me to you. How lucky was that???
You became my first true best friend in California at a very bumpy transition in my life. My Saturn return and all that goes with it. Heartbreak, career transition, living in a new place. You became part big brother, part medicine man. You have a gift, a gentle way of guiding, provoking insight, sharing wisdom. You are a child of the universe and sometimes the mischievous coyote with a grin that we all love and know well. In a very quiet, understated way, you can tease out the best in people John and that is a powerful thing. You are a gift to us all.
I miss you and love ya. Hope you bring Pamela to these here beautiful old Blue Ridge mountains real soon.