Last night, about 25 friends from the neighborhood gathered in Paul's driveway to remember our sweet Vann. There were lots of stories, laughter, and tears. There was also pizza, thanks to Paul.
One of our good friends, neighbor Danny Heisner went home later and wrote this poem in tribute to Vann.
Today we lost a Godly man,
our caring friend and neighbor, Vann.
He and Sophie went on patrol,
to keep us safe, that was his goal.
Now he's patrolling from above,
looking after us in love.
We mourn the loss of a man so great
and yet we still can celebrate.
For him there now is no more pain.
There isn't any suffering.
He's singing praises to his Lord,
who died for him and whose blood poured.
He's meeting all the saints of old
and walking on the streets of gold.
He's touring that beautiful heavenly place,
and meeting Jesus face to face.
We miss your presence here on earth,
but celebrate your new found birth.
Vann, you left a legacy.
You lived a life for all to see.
For we could see the Christ in you,
a Godly man through and through.
On this earth we will abide,
'til we see you on the other side.
Vann, if I can be half the man you were, I'll be doing good.
Susie and the kids, God bless you! We are here for you if you need anything
Danny, Becky, Jonathon, Andrew, Raeann, and Sam
Vann's Memorial Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2009, at Leeds First United Methodist Church.
Thank you all for your comments and notes of condolence. Thanks for sticking with us through this journey. Vann always loved the prayers and notes you left.
This post was migrated from the old blog. To see the comments on the original post, CLICK HERE. To add a new comment, click "Post a Comment", below.
On 09/03/2009, Molly said ...
I woke up thinking of Sophie! She's gonna miss her daddy. Praying continually for you and yours.
On 09/03/2009, Diana said ...
My prayers are with you. My God keep you and your family in his embrace.
On 09/03/2009, Marie said ...
What a lovely tribute. Lifting you and yours in prayer....
On 09/03/2009, Kris said ...
This is the first time I have been to you blog and I am so sorry to find you in so much sorrow. Your husband looked and sounded like wonderful man. May the peace of the Lord be with you and your family.
On 09/03/2009, Janet said ...
Lovely poem. You and Vann are blessed to have such friends.
On 09/03/2009, Donna said ...
Susan, I have been thinking about you. The poem is beautiful. I am crying thinking about my daughter, Amber, but I know she is out of her wheelchair running again and I know we will see each other again. Vann has gone to be with my precious Amber. God Bless
On 09/03/2009, Loribelle said ...
That poem is awesome. He's right, Vann did leave a legacy. The question on my mind is...did he teach you how to ride the four wheeler? ;-) We love you and are here for you always, Suzie. L, G, D & C (woof)
On 09/03/2009, dorothy said ...
i'm so sorry. what a tribute to Vann's life that his friends and family were all around him. take care of yourself as i'm sure you're running around taking care of everybody else.
On 09/03/2009, Red Geranium Cottage said ...
Aren't friends just the best Susan? Very nice poem.
On 09/03/2009, Kai said ...
Susan, you are TRULY the strongest person I know. And I am well aware of where you get your strength. Both you AND Vann have believed in LIVING your faith, not just mouthing it. That's a beautiful testimony and Vann is now reaping the rewards! I haven't STOPPED thinking of you since I read the news yesterday. I've cried myself dry. But seeing this post and the picture of a healthier Vann with his sidekick Sophie has finally made me smile. I love you! And I am HERE if you need ANYTHING.
On 09/03/2009, Nancy said ...
Susan, there are no words to express the sorrow that filled my heart and soul when I opened the page and found your dear Vann had returned to his Savior. All I can do is offer my sincere condolences and keep you and your family in my prayers.
On 09/03/2009, Lettie said ...
What a beautiful poem. You are blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. Take care, friend.
On 09/03/2009, Joyce said ...
What a wonderful poem and Danny did an excellent job capturing the wonderful man we all knew and loved and he will always be with us! Thanks Susan for sharing this. We love you and pray for God's continued strength for you and all of the family as you deal with the loss of the man you loved so much. Joyce & Chuck
On 09/03/2009, Rita Bose said ...
I have read your blog for sometime now and have enjoyed your family stories.I'm sorry to hear of Vann's passing but I understand the releive of his suffering. Let friends and family help fill a part of the space his leaving has left in your life. A good cry with a friend heals much.
Rita
On 09/03/2009, Pesky Patti said ...
Dear Susan,
When such tragedies happen to someone I care about I am at a loss for words. My heart sank to learn of Vann's passing. Thank the Lord for your belief in Him. You have a wonderful support group at church and home. Give Sophie lots of hugs.
On 09/03/2009, jeanne said ...
Dear Susan, My heart is broken for you and your family in the loss of your dear Vann. The tribute poem his friend wrote is so beautiful. It describes what a wonderful guy Vann was.
My sincere sympathy and love goes out to you and your families. I am certain in one thing. He was loved and very dearly thought of by his fellow man. A wonderful legacy for Vann, a Godly man.
Love, Jeanne
On 09/03/2009, Kim said ...
You've lost a good man. I am so very sorry to hear this heartwrenching news about Vann. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to you and your family.
On 09/03/2009, Diana said ...
I am so sorry to hear about Vann. What a great tribute to have his neighbors and friends feel so strongly about his life! Hugs to you and your family.
On 09/03/2009, sherri said ...
Awww man! What a bummer you are in my prayers and thoughts. Blessings,
On 09/03/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
What a wonderful tribute. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.
On 09/03/2009, Sandy said ...
I just opened my blogs and read that your darling Vann has gone Home to be with our Lord...Bless you, I know you must be hurting..I feel as tho I know both of you, just reading your blog. May the Lord guide and take care of you..love
On 09/03/2009, Dandelion Quilts said ...
What a loving thought shared. Susan, you and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear that Vann passed on.
On 09/03/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
What a beautiful tribute.
In this huge big wide world, I'm so glad you and Vann found each other. May the wonderful memories you made together give you comfort.
Blessings
On 09/03/2009, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home said ...
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful man. I am sending comforting hugs from far away.
Hugs,
Penny
On 09/03/2009, Joanne said ...
Thanks for sharing the wonderful poem. It really expresses how we all feel about Vann. Take care of yourself and Sophie. God bless.
On 09/03/2009, Marla Southers said ...
I have never read your blog before but found you thru others. I am so very sorry for your loss of your wonderful husband. What strength and endurance the Lord has given you to be able to be with him each step of the way.
On 09/03/2009, Loretta said ...
Oh, Susan, I'm so sorry to read about Vann's passing. I read your blog everyday and I want you to know that your have my sincere sympathy. May every dawn give your strength and every dusk give you peace.
Loretta
On 09/03/2009, Carol said ...
What a beautiful tribute to Vann...my thoughts and prayers are with you!
On 09/03/2009, Lynne in Hawaii said ...
Susan, I know you and Sophie will miss your Vann. He was valiant in his fight. The poem is a wonderful tribute too. I am grateful you allowed us to come along with you and Vann on this journey. You are a special, wonderful lady. Vann is no longer in pain and he will protect you from above. Our prayers for your peace and support are ongoing.
On 09/03/2009, Bo said ...
Susan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Vann was an inspiration to all of us that knew him. He will be missed so much. God bless you all.
On 09/03/2009, Angie/sweetbabies00 said ...
What a lovely tribute to Vann. You all are in my prayers.
On 09/03/2009, Perry said ...
What a wonderful tribute. From the way you have always talked about Vann I figured he was an exceptional person. Evidently a lot of people think so. God bless!
On 09/03/2009, Marcia said ...
What a beautiful tribute to your wonderful husband. I'm sure God has used his story in ways that will only be known in heaven. You're family is in my prayers.
Blessings,
Marcia
On 09/03/2009, Tamara said ...
I know words can express my sympathy for you and your family. That poem was a tremendous witness of your husband and his faith that was seen by all. I hope your pain is eased a bit by knowing he is not suffering and is with God, and someday you will be there too. This was the only solace I had when I lost my mother-in-law to cancer.
On 09/03/2009, Kelee Katillac said ...
Dear Beautiful Susan:
I am struggling to see the keypad through my tears.I feel like I knew Vann. Your lovely blog shared him so well. My heart grieves for the loss of your truest friend and partner.
I am grateful he is home and restored to wellness now.
"I know that you are being comforted by the Divine right now."
In my thoughts----
kelee
On 09/03/2009, Deb said ...
Susan, what a beautiful heartfelt tribute to your special man. He has been loved by many and always be loved by those who are able to carry special memories of him. Our love continues for you to help you through.
On 09/03/2009, Sally said ...
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
On 09/03/2009, carol broughton said ...
I am so very sorry about the loss of your beloved husband. The poem was lovely and I pray that you are comforted in the love of your family, friends and your faith.
On 09/03/2009, Laurie said ...
I'm so glad you have such wonderful neighbors and friends to lift you up right now. Hugs.
On 09/03/2009, Kirby and Beth said ...
Susan and family: We here in Esterbrook, Wyoming, grieve the loss of such a dear friend and gentleman, Vann. We loved his visits and seeing sheer joy light up his face when he saw these magnificent mountains! We know that our Lord and Saviour cradled and carried him home. God is indeed merciful! We shall miss him dearly but have our memories of him stored within our hearts. God's peace to you and yours.
On 09/04/2009, Wendy said ...
Susan, I am so sorry that you and Van lost the fight. Van will always exist in your and your families hearts and I truly believe that if you continue talk to Van, he will answer you. Take strength from wherever you can.
On 09/04/2009, *karendianne. said ...
Oh this is is beautiful, Susan. It helps me to know more about the Man he was. Such a loving tribute.
Prayerfully, *karendianne.
On 09/04/2009, Mollye said ...
Dear Susan, I have been reading much of your blog all morning and am so uplifted by your courage. What a wonderful guy Vann was. I'll be back. Love and best wishes to you and your family, Mollye
On 09/04/2009, victoria_greer@bellsouth.net said ...
Susan, We all have such wonderful memories of Vann and will miss him so much. He just lit up a room when he walked in, and that grin of his. . .
What a blessing that the two of you found love together. Thank you for sharing through your blog, it is really wonderful.
On 09/04/2009, Linda J.W. said ...
Oh Susan and family,my heart is heavy for you,I am so sorry, but Vann is in a better place.I know that doesn't make it any easier.I lost my Mother Feb.28th after she turned 89 in the hospital.I was suppose to
send you something for your Totem.I wrote
you and told you that i couldn't put in in the mail,you wrote me back and told me that
was the last thing i needed to worry about.
I promise it will be soon in the mail.
God Bless
Linda W. from Texas
On 09/04/2009, Jeanne said ...
Although I didn't personally know your husband, I send my sympathy to you and those around you who loved him. May God keep you close during this difficult time and grant you peace.
On 09/04/2009, Stefanie said ...
Although we have never met, just remember that you are not alone!
Reach out and lots of people will be there!
On 09/04/2009, Rian said ...
Susan, I will be thinking of you (and Vann) tomorrow during the memorial service. I keep thinking, "There, but for the grace of God, go I." I went through similar travails with JJ and his kidney cancer, not to mention a host of other ailments for several years--and thus Vann's passing hit me hard. I don't know how you are getting through this, but I believe your faith and your spirit will see you through. Best wishes and love to you and Sophie.
On 09/04/2009, Debra in Ohio said ...
thoughts and prayers your way.
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