“Almost no one wore black to Jack Joseph Jabbour’s memorial service. Instead, the rows of New Hope Church on Friday were filled with family and friends — some smiling, some weeping — wearing bright colors…
— Read on www.postindependent.com/news/before-i-say-ta-ta-for-now-new-castle-honors-jack-jabbour-with-a-celebration-of-life/
So that’s my brother Jack. We (the family) had a second service for him Friday, May 31st, in New Castle, Colorado. There had been one in Lawerence, Kansas, on Friday, April 26th, for all his new friends.
Let’s talk a little about Life, instead of death.
A life is worth
what? What is strange is that my brother, Jack, wasn’t cool. His life could be categorized as a “happy accident”. We tried to piece together the story, a timeline, sitting around the fire in the lodge that was Twin Creek Game Ranch in Silt, Colorado, the night before. It was fun, but strange, because we couldn’t quite make sense of it.
The truth is, despite photo albums to help us remember, and tape recordings and videos – nothing really coalesced into the why of it all. Why did my brother’s life happen the way it did? Furthermore, end with so much joy and peace (contentment)?
I was blown away
by the turnout. There must have been around 400 people who came to celebrate Jack’s life. And the joint (New Hope Church, a repurposed bowling alley on the edge of town.) was jumping! Just as Jack had planned it.
He knew he was dying and left instructions for his service. It was not to be about him, or his life; but a testimony to the power of Christ’s love. Holy Shit! was it ever. I damn near signed up. Jake (my son), too. The spirit in the room was powerful. Moreover, the love and appreciation contagious.
Happy Accidents
is what my psych-girl calls such events as was my brother’s life. He just wanted to be a Rock n Roller, to “bang on the drum all day”. [Todd Rundgren (1982)] Nonetheless, that wish turned into a huge community and church in Garfield county. Jack’s impact on the people of Glenwood Springs, New Castle, Silt, and Rifle, Colorado was nothing short of miraculous. Makes you wonder. Maybe there’s something to it–God’s plan? After all.
Home alone
finally, on Monday the 3rd of June, I had my own celebration. With whiskey (Evan Williams) and music (My ‘Surfside Cafe’ playlist on Spotify) and a candle (Harbor Shore scent). I set about putting Jack’s remains in an oak box, and potting a geranium cutting I’d started. I named the budding plant J3.
Now, I’ve got a facsimile of the beach in my apartment. Riders on the Storm (The Doors, 1971) comes on the playlist. Jack and I were that, for sure. Notwithstanding we sailed in different boats.
Call me crazy but … ?
In conclusion.
Is there such a thing? Ever? A conclusion?
At the service the speakers spoke of seeing Jack soon. Rockin’ out in heaven with Jesus. His band joined with Jack’s. Jack playing lead guitar and vocals.
Maybe. You never know. I sure as hell don’t.