Few things render me speechless, even at the passing of my oldest and dearest friend I was somehow able to get myself together to write. But the news that not only our friend but the man who headed up a large division of Glenn’s company drowned yesterday while snorkeling in the Virgin Islands has left me in a state where I am truly unable to express myself with any clarity.
BEYOND TRAGIC
Few things render me speechless, even at the passing of my oldest and dearest friend I was somehow able to get myself together to write. But the news that John McWhinnie who was not only our dear friend but the man who headed up a large division of Glenn’s company drowned yesterday while snorkeling in the Virgin Islands has left me in a state where I am truly unable to express myself with any clarity.
Hundreds of people are rocked to their cores by this extraordinary man’s sudden death. John would have turned 44 in three weeks. He was on vacation with his wife Maria when the accident occurred.
I am in no shape to even eulogize him properly at this moment. I am taking the week off from the blog to tend to the needs of my husband, my children, details and friends. As I said yesterday and our friend Jessie Butterbaugh said today, for Glenn short of losing myself or the girls nothing could be more devastating than the death of John.
I send love and prayers to his wife Maria. Friends have galvanized forces and our friend Nick Weber flew down there immediately to be with her.
I can’t put into words the cyclone of sadness that has enveloped our world. So please excuse me while I go to mourn John, be there for my husband, help Maria in whatever way I can, and be a sounding board or a shoulder for anyone who needs me. I will be back.
Live every day my friends. Love those you are close to. Don’t waste time on petty things that don’t count. It can end faster than most of us are aware.
In Loving Memory John McWhinnie January 29th , 1968 – January 6th , 2012
