a year ago.

April 14, 2012 was an interesting day for me.  We spent most of the day with WONDERFUL friends at an event affectionately known as "Cashtravaganza" -- our incredible core of friends in Columbus put together a fun and fabulous celebration of our family as we were preparing to move and work with Mercy Ships.

When I got back in the car and we started heading back into town, my phone started buzzing and beeping letting me know there were messages.  There were multiple messages from my sister and my dad...I had left my cell phone in the car because it wasn't getting reception (I think that was God's doing...He allowed me to fully enjoy our celebration and then be fully engaged with my sister). 

Long story short, my sister's husband had been airlifted from Athens to Emory in Atlanta after having an aneurism.  At that point, no one really knew how serious it was or what the outcome would be.

In the next 24 hours I had the privilege - the undeniable privilege - of being by my sister's side.  It was kind of like the stuff you see in the movies...except it was us.  I could write an entire post about how incredibly strong and amazing my sister is...I won't do that now...but maybe someday soon (though I'm afraid my words wouldn't do her justice).

Through the course of the night and next day, doctors were able to determine that the anuerism was massive and there would be no recovery.  Everything that was working in his body was working because of machines. 

Some of the things I remember most from that 24 hours: 

• the incredible competency of the staff at Emory. job well done.
• taking walks outside with amy
• trying to sleep with her in that little chair
• the timing of everything - how family and friends were able to come and the peace that was present

But the thing I will never forget is the moment when Amy said good-bye to Jon's body and we walked out of that hospital.  I have never experienced a more difficult moment in my life.

In memory of Jon's life and in honor of his death, I thought I would post these words written for his obituary:

This world lost a beautiful soul on April 15, 2012.  Jon Christopher Kay passed away peacefully after having a massive brain aneurism.

Jon was born July 16, 1964 in Atlanta.  He spent significant parts of his life in North Carolina, Delaware, New Jersey, Florida and Georgia and had a special love for California.  Jon has called Athens home the past 28 years.  Jon lived a life marked by kindness and passion.  His love for home, nature, music and the arts encapsulated Jon’s life.  His favorite places on earth: in the kitchen cooking “Jon Style Gourmet” for friends and loved ones, on the couch –or anywhere!- playing his guitar, out in nature and with his best friend, wife and life partner, Amy. 

Jon Kay was a master thinker and a tremendous idea developer!  Those blessed to know Jon will always remember him as an individual with lots of ideas and extraordinary plans!  One of Jon’s most remarkable traits was his ability to love deeply and to express his love in unique and generous ways.  As a way to give one last time, it was Jon’s desire that his organs be donated.

Those left to remember Jon and celebrate his life include his wife, Dr. Amy M. Kay, his mother, Dion Kay, his father, Joe Kay, his brother, Jeff Kay, his sister, Sandy Meaders, his friend, spiritual mentor and guide, Lenny Gredel, a host of nieces and nephews and a plethora of other wonderful family members and friends.  Jon will also be dearly missed by his three four-legged children, Miss Bea, Strat and Static (“da boy!”). 

The family is so very thankful for the love and support that has been shown through this unexpected grieving process.  All of the visits, phone calls, texts, facebook messages, cards, flowers, food & every other act of thoughtfulness and love have not gone unnoticed and have been gratefully received. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Nuci’s Space, a local musician support & resource center (Nuci.org) or to Athens Little Playhouse as Jon was recently involved and greatly enjoying working with this organization.  They would also encourage you to think of something that makes you feel connected to Jon and do it! 

A celebration of Jon’s life is being planned for May 20^th at 11:00am at the Botanical Gardens Chapel.  Everyone is welcome to attend.   

I love that Jon's life was celebrated again yesterday with a bench dedication at the Botanical Gardens.  I wish I could have been there to hear some more stories of the music Jon played and the way he loved his friends. I wish I could have been there to experience the way family and friends come together to love and support one another.  I wish I could have been there to stand with my sister.