In Memory of JWB

Shared Thoughts;

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:07:07 GMT

It has been many months since our loss. We do not grieve any less; my mother still wears black, and I still spend afternoons gazing into the room left untouched.

I recieved a letter from my pen pal today, in which he grieved over a loss of his own that occured some time before ours. He told me "I should dry my eyes, and go back to sleep"; that "I should not think of such things," and even fancied what it would be like to have that person back with him. To my friend, I shared my own sentiments:

"Such things are common thoughts of mine.. But I find I often carry on the spirit of the deceased with thought, memory, and occasionally imagination. There are many times I sit and simply stare into space, remembering a scene that had transgressed, or even imagining a scene that might occur if that person were still with us.

Other times, that person has found their way into my dream--still so imprinted on my soul that it is a part of my life I can't admit to not having physically any longer. Of course, having such a lucky stint of sleeping vision inspires much jealousy from others...

Sometimes it is better not to dry your eyes, but rather leave them as they are. These things happen because you must feel, and you must acknowledge, and you must grieve. The loss of someone dear is more than I can ever hope to explain, but know that I understand it. It is all-right to feel misery, so long as we do not let it control us. So long as mourning is not our life, we may pause every so often, and look at that he who has moved on, yet moved us all the while.

Be happy for those who are away because they have met, perhaps, their destiny. "

- Kimberly B.

Happy 27th, What Would Have Been;

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:09:44 GMT

We take today to remember, of course, the birthday of a young man left us too soon. As my mother and I are heading out to attempt celebrating his birthday in his honor (we're wearing our "with love" buttons today), I unfortunately do not have enough time to update extensively on this day.

However, we want to show you all, as if you could forget, that our thoughts and prayers are of course with those departed, as well as those of us who have suffered a loss.

Please take a moment out of your day to wish my brother, John, a Happy Birthday. You know he would have done the same for you.

Thank you,

- Kimberly B.

Brief Sentiment;

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:13:59 GMT

Take a breath and start again;
time never really stops;

What lies ahead is not a year without,
It is a year to be filled,
with thoughts of you,
with care of you,
and with life kept alive
through the endurance of the breathing.

Paint your memories in any shade;
He has his and we have ours;

There is no erasing what time has given us

So long as you love him.

For my mother. I'm sorry for the lack of updates; The past semester at University has been a horror for me, and things are still very busy with Christmas. I was just working on a Christmas-card for my mother and thought I'd post the short poem I dabbled out in her card (hopefully she won't read this tonight and spoil it).

We still miss him very much. We always will. It's been a difficult time, but no matter what lack of update occurs here, this journal will never be forgotten. Do not think it is. Thank you all as ever for your support and for your memories. Happy Holidays.

- Kimberly B.

The Gift We Were Given;

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:35:41 GMT

First thing's first: Thank you to whoever sent the black-rose virtual gift to the memorial account. I have a feeling I know who it is but people have surprised me before.

Secondly: The Memorial Service on Sunday went well. I'll be posting pictures of the setup, descriptions of the event, and other good-taste pictures as soon as I get a chance to. I'm desperately trying to get up because I have to go back to University tomorrow, so I haven't a lot of time for everything I'd love to do. I thought, at the very least, a post letting everyone know I'm not neglecting this would be most helpful.

In the meantime, I am comfortable with posting the large part of my speech that I read at the memorial, here for everyone to take comfort in. As always, please feel free to leave comments here or email us at Starprincess1850@aol.com or Boe.theresa@yahoo.com.:

I could never in my life hope to summarize in five minutes what John has given me in Twenty-One Years. He has been, and always will be, my most beloved brother. Though his life was at times rough, and despite his health problems, he remained chipper, and kind-hearted. His was a splendid personality, and I am truly thankful that I had the opportunity to be with him as long as I have been.

When I was little, I remember peering over the couch-tops to watch wrestling with my father, my brother, and their friends. A little older, and I found myself on the floor of my brother’s room, watching him play Super Mario Brothers, amongst other games on the Super Nintendo. Time passed, we grew, and despite growing up, we never grew bitter of one another. We shared the computer as best we could; shared the house, our lives, even friends, sometimes, and we got along as well as any siblings could ever hope.

We spoke constantly; of anything and everything he wished to discuss, be it funny quotes from the Simpsons, the coming Weather, or the best boss-strategy on his favorite games. Having never been much for flicking on the TV, I always let him control the channels, and grew up loving many of the same things he did. I supported him, helped him, and did everything I could---and without even trying, he made me smile, and cry, all at once.

Over the last few years, we had begun a weekly ritual of “brother-sister days.” During these times I would take him out to eat, usually at Denny’s, or Dairy Queen, and if he needed any bloodwork done, I’d take him by. I’d run him around to stores, and even made a special trip out just to get him the “Jumper” books he’d been wanting… which I am happy to say he managed to read before his untimely tragedy.

I did my best to offer him the world, and he never asked more than what he felt was his share was—at least not in terms of people cooking for him. When it came to CDs, or Wrestling Memorabilia, the kid wracked up a collection that could shame some small retailers. Regardless, I’m happy that it made him happy, and I’m happy for all the times and memories that we’ve shared. While I don’t have time—or heart, in this painful moment—to share every breath’s worth with you now, I know he is happy to be remembered, and I know that each and every one of you here is helping, in a large way, to keep memories of him alive.

Even if you did not know him, we can tell you that he was an amazing person, a fantastic brother, the most impressive wrestling trivia buff, and a countless amount of other wonderful things. His attention to detail was always exquisite, and I will miss the world as seen through his eyes. I will do my best in the coming years to immortalize my brother through writing, recorded memories, and other wonderful endeavors. In the meantime, I can only extend my gratitude to everyone here for their support during this difficult time, and I extend, as you have to me, my utmost condolences to all who have lost such a wonderful man as my brother.

I will always love you, John, wherever you are.

Love,

Kimberly (Sis)

- Kimberly B.

Calling For Memories;

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:32:53 GMT

JWB's memorial is coming up in a matter of days now (Sunday -- please see the last post for details) and tonight I'm going to be doing a lot of work on the presentation pieces we'll have in his memory at the event.

One of the things I've heard most often in emails is: "If there's anything I can do.." or "I really want to help, but I don't know how..." This is a great way to get involved, and let us, let him, know that you care.

The community here can help out by replying to this entry with any;
* Memories
(Did he do or say something you'll remember forever? Something silly that made you smile? Anything goes.)
* Kind Words
(Even if you didn't know him, or if it's just too painful to remember, kind words about him go a long way.)
* RP/Story Excerpts/Summaries
(Was there a really awesome arc in the RP you guys want represented? I know he was involved in some RP-relationships, marriages, and great friendships, so if there's anything you want to share..)
* Images
(Even if it's one of those silly pictures of cats that looks ridiculous, but you think he'd like it, or if it's a pic of one of his favorite women, shows, wrestlers, etc, I'm happy to take it all in here.)
* Quotes
(My brother was a walking quote factory. Wrestling, Simpsons, Family Guy, Futurama.. Even if you can't remember something he said exactly, or even if it's a quote you'd think he'd like, share it with us.)
* Friendstuff
(Do you want us to represent you as one of his friends at the ceremony? Want to send us an image of a hand-written letter, one of your pictures for the picture boards, signed 8x10 glossies, or anything else? We're happy to accomodate!)
* Etc.
(Want to paint yourself purple and jump into walls in his honor? Take a picture and send it to us! Or just.. comment and say whatever you want. Really, we're happy with it all, and he would be, too. Thank you.)

We appreciate anything and everything you give us, and if you're not comfortable posting here, remember that I can be contacted at Starprincess1850@aol.com and our mother can be reached at boe.theresa@yahoo.com.

Also, if you have any suggestions, things you think he'd like present to represent himself, things you think he'd enjoy, be it in regards to the memorial service, or in regards to his resting place, please let us know.

As always, thank you all for your kindness. I've received quite a few personal emails, and there have been a lot of nice comments on the journal here, as well, so thank you. I know he would be happy to know everyone cares about him so much.

~Kimberly B.

Memorial Information;

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:22 GMT

Memorial in the Name of John W Boe
Date: Sunday, September 21st, 2008
Time: 1-3 PM
Location:
Hampton Inn (hotel number: 941-488-5900)
881 Venitia Bay Blvd
Venice, FL 34292

Contact: Theresa B. (Mom): boe.theresa@yahoo.com.
Kimberly B. (Sister): Starprincess1850@aol.com.
Phone Numbers Available Upon Email Request, or Leave a Comment of Inquiry.

Information: This is an opportunity to honor the deceased and console the living. Even if you did not know John that well, you are invited. If you can, or cannot, make it, please let us know. If you are an internet friend, and would like us to represent you in some way, we are happy to do so; the same goes for those of you who cannot attend. Acquiring a list of kind comments to be remembered at the event is a very nice thing you all can do, as well as sharing fond stories with us that we can tell in remembrance. I am happy to field any artwork done by artists, short stories or RP-themed passages, icon or graphic work, music suggestions; anything at all you'd like to do, no matter how bizarre or mundane, happy or morbid you feel it is, I would be happy to take it for him and make sure it gets delivered appropriately in his honor! If there is anything at all you wish to get off your chest, please do so.

Also, please spread the word. If I get any more information, I will post it, and in this community, more information on John will be coming.

I thank each and every one of you in advance for your kindness to my family, John especially, and am again sorry for the tragedy that has struck us so very quickly.

-Kimberly B.

Edit(10.19PM): I discovered that annonymous posting was not allowed! I'm sorry, guys, and I fixed it. You can now leave messages, but if you do, please remember to tell us who you are, especially if you're letting us know you're coming. Thanks so much.

Also, my mother has asked that we keep flowers to a minimum for an assortment of reasons and sentiments. If you have any questions or concerns, please let either one of us know. Thank you.

~KB

Our Memoriam

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:19:36 GMT

Please read this message in its entirety.

This is a posting ground created in memory of my brother, JWB. He RPed John Cena, had many online friends, and knew many people. JWB was known as JWB1850 on AOL, cantseethechamp on AIM, Jceezy54 on Greatestjournal and Jceezy54 on Insanejournal. If you know of any other personas of his, please, please feel free to let us know.

This journal is upkept by his mother and sister. We welcome any posts, anonymous or not, with thoughts, feelings, emotions, works you know he's done, or anything of the sort, really. We may expand this to a community soon, but everything is happening very fast and I just wanted some place for people to turn for updates about the Memorial Date and his passing in general.

My brother died yesterday, September 14th, 2008. My name is Kimberly; I am his sister.

His mother, Theresa, can be reached at boe.theresa@yahoo.com. She welcomes anything you have to say about her son, and if you could help provide us with any copies of his writings on the various cross-journals and communities, we would sincerely appreciate it.

I, the sister, Kimberly, can be reached at Starprincess1850@aol.com. I, like my mother, am happy to field any questions about him or what happened. I know this is painful for a whole group of people that I've never met, and I am sincerely sorry that I have to break this to everyone in this manner. If anyone needs a phone outlet to reach one of us at to talk to, please email an inquiry and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Please, post anything. We'll update you as we know more. We just had to get it out there that he has passed, and this is really the only way we can keep in touch with so many of you that knew him.

Thank you for your time,

Kimberly B.