It's really hard to write an obituary for someone you never knew, especially if they've had no kind of public life. Michael John Simon has been drifting in and out of my thoughts regularly since I first signed up to be a part of this wonderful project.
You can read the thoughts of his friends and family here. All I can say is what a guy. America lost one of our great ones five years ago. He was an impressive athlete who once rode a bicycle across the country from Washington state to New York. His wife described him as her pillar and the love of her life. He was one of those cool dads who took an active interest and participated in the lives of his children by coaching their sports teams and being a part of their school and church events.
It's funny how you can recognize good character by small details, like how he made pancakes for his family on Sundays. That's the kind of thing that devoted husbands and fathers do for their families. He left behind his wife Eileen and his children Brittany Radcliffe, Michael John Jr. and Tyler Ingram. From what I can tell by reading the loving tributes from those that knew him, if those children are half of the wonderful person that Michael John Simon was, they will be his greatest gift to the human race.
I never knew him, but I will never forget him. The few stories I could find about him and the life that he lived have genuinely inspired me to strive to be a better person. I am always in awe of strangers who can energize me the way his memory has. That's not just an amazing legacy. It's a blessing and because of him, I will not waste it.
Michael John Simon, thank you.
Posted by Emily at September 11, 2006 08:15 AM | TrackBack (0) |Beautiful post, Emily.
Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at September 11, 2006 08:35 AMWell done.
Posted by: Army of Mom at September 11, 2006 09:27 AMAh, so it can be done..... I tried and tried to get the tone right when writing "my" (as it were) obit of a "regular guy" who I'd never known and in the end deliberately depersonalised it for fear of screwing up (I'm still editing, to tell the truth). The decent, honest, regular, normal guys (and girls) - we think they're everywhere - sometimes it's only when they're taken that we see how unique and special they are. Great post, Emily
Posted by: neil @ inactualfact.com at September 11, 2006 11:56 AMYou really captured his essence, I think.
(I love what his wife said at his eulogy... about "You may be wondering what I did. So am I." To have a sense of humor at a time like that takes a special woman.
Thanks for this.
Julie,
I love that his wife's eulogy was a celebration of his LIFE, not a mourning of his death. She sounds like a pretty extraordinary woman in her own right.
Something tells me those kids of theirs are going to turn out to be some fine human beings.
Posted by: Emily at September 11, 2006 07:01 PMI was listening to the radio tonight on the way home, and I heard part of an interview with a couple who are Christian recording artists, and their daughter was born on 9/11/2001. They celebrate her birthdays with red, white, and blue decorations, and explained that they are trying to raise her with an understanding that, in the midst of all the pain and death of that day, there were also heroes and patriotism ...and a new life... born on that day, and that's a reason to rejoice.
I think people like that, and people like Michael Simon's wife, understand 9/11 on a much higher level than I do. It's hard for me to see the beauty for the ashes. (I hope that makes sense... my brain's a bit addlepated tonight.)
"Hard to see the beauty for the ashes"
Very well put, Julie.
Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at September 12, 2006 05:52 AMI can't take credit for it. It's from the Bible:
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."—Isaiah 61:3.
It's also a song by Crystal Lewis, which is appropriate:
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy o'er your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound I've been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair