For Jerry Connors 

June 14, 1924- October 15, 2003

This is what matters…

“Gentle”

He didn’t preach, yet by his example he gently taught us lessons in acceptance, patience, peace. He didn’t try to change anyone. He accepted each for who he was.

He accepted his pain. He never complained, even after his first stroke drastically changed his life. He expressed a simple curiosity about how it had happened and how we, his children, could prevent this suffering in our lives.

He didn’t impose himself or his views, but he was always there when we needed him, a firm foundation in each of our lives. Even if we wandered far afield, we knew he was there, patiently awaiting our return home.

Wait for us, Dad.

Colleen

November, 2003

Thank You, Dad

I thank you dad

For the memories I have today

I begin with my childhood days

And the bedtime stories you gave.

To the fun days at Will Rogers Park

And the sledding adventures at Frasier Park .

The many years in Van Nuys

As we swam the days away

to playing football and baseball down the driveway all day.

Those summers so hot as we had fun in the sun

And winters so cold as we watched football and froze.

Your love continued as I became an adult

And always there to give your never ending support.

Your grandchildren loved you more than you know

I only wish you were here to watch them grow.

Those days of teasing Sean about Thomas the Train

You never eased up no matter what age he became.

And little Shannon misses you so

And has decided to keep you in her locket wherever she goes.

Your warmth and your love

And your sense of humor

Are just a few of the things I’ll miss as my life continues.

My love for you will continue to grow

And I know you will protect me wherever I go.

So until we’re reunited

Don’t forget that you’ll be

Forever in my heart

That’s where you are for keeps.

I Love You, Dad!  

Erin

Over 15 years ago Jerry Connors came to the kitchen in Sherman Oaks - We spoke for a brief time and the energy of compassion and care was most prevalent—the purity in his soul came through most clearly - His future at Frontline was to be clearly defined - He was to become a big part of helping humanity on the streets of Skid Row downtown Los Angeles - tirelessly he drove the van downtown - heat - rain - cold - it did not matter - his giving for the purity of giving was something to behold - His care for his fellow being was a light of hope on those horrid streets of Skid Row – Year after year he gave – never once did I hear him complain – I know now and I knew for many years he was a true servant of the Master – His smile radiated and transcended his heart that was full of care and love – In April of this year 2003 he had a stroke – I visited him in the hospital – He had no concern of self – said he was sorry he couldn’t deliver food downtown – It brought tears to  my eyes – Our selfish world permeated by human beings that only think of oneself – How much money can I glean – How much property can be attained – Here lies a man with a stroke only thinking of the people on Skid Row and how he will miss serving them – A tribute to his enlightened soul – And yes as fate would have it I went to visit him in the hospital just a few short weeks ago – October 2003 – a second stroke – He lie there not conscious of his surrounding breathing heavy – I touched and stroked his head – I knew at that moment he was in God’s hands - I wept – I wept for him – I wept for the 15 years he was with us – I wept for humanity’s loss – I wept for his family – I only wish it was me not him that was leaving – He died two days later – His loving wife Barbara and his children feel the pain of his loss so very much - There is no filling the empty void in their soul  – there is only consoling the heart – the never ending solitude for Barbara – Jerry exemplified purity – honesty – unselfishness – did not tarnish the word love – He gave of himself to all – I once said when a soul dies a library burns – In this case the library was filled with compassion – understanding - - tolerance – devoid of self seeking corroding fibers – filled with giving for the purity of giving - loving to warm the being of another – whose courage may be faltering – It was filled with purity of thought – mind – body and soul – It was filled with unwavering unselfishness – It was filled with the love of the human race – He was and is truly one of God’s children - resting with Him for eternity - 

                               Ray Castellani