Dear John and Julie,
I am sorry we weren't able to get together last week but I thought it was probably iffy.
I am SO glad I saw you ALL in June. What a delight to be with your whole family including precious baby Arlo. What a joy.

You have made the most of your time together on this journey and I am sure you will continue to do the same with the assistance of hospice. You will draw strength from the services it provides.
You are wonderful models of making your own bold choices for what is best for John and for you too, Julie.
My heart embraces you as you courageously walk forward.
AsI gaze out my window looking across the water to where you live, you are so ofter in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for helping us be a part of this sacred journey.
Much love.
Pat

Thinking of you once again John. Random occurrences sometimes make me think of you. Often it is the songs of our youth. A feeling or a memory brings me back to my esteem and brotherly affection for you. I see that part of me that was forever influenced by you. You helped form a part of me that become something of which I am proud. It helped that you were always the coolest cat around

I am in Orlando FL on special disaster assignment for FEMA right now. There is stormy weather. Just like always it seems to me - at least in my professional life. .

Thanks for showing me what is important once again.

So glad that you are with family. Give my best to Julie. You both and family are in my thoughts and prayers.

You are definitely a strong and brave man, John Gardner. Obviously Julie is a strong and compassionate partner for you as you both go through this faze of your life. It appears your children are definitely on their way to positive careers and that first grandchild is always so special. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue your journey enjoying your family and time to the fullest.

John and Julie, you are in our thoughts daily. We cherish the times we spent together when you lived in Columbia . . . and before when John mentored me/Ken in the HEADE project. We wish you strength and peace as you battle this challenge. You both are special!!
Ken and Sharon

I freaking love you Uncle John.

john and julie,
David Podoll told me to check up with you on this site. I am delighted to have a chance to catch up with you. First of all I want to send you our love. So often we neglect to tell people how important they have been in our life. I think with great joy and fondness the precious times we spent discussing what sustainable agriculture was or should look like. Those conversations strengthened me to continue pursuing those goals throughout my career. I deeply appreciate your role in those discussions and our communal learning. It was a blessing for me to be a part of that and to be among such inspiring thinkers as you and Fred , David, and also Tom Tomas. I also appreciate your and Julie's encouragement and enjoyment of my simple poems. I don't write as much any more. I have deliberately refrained from the angry , bitter ones that have wanted to erupt over the disastrousTrump election . Anger poems aren't my best thoughts. Here's one you might like though:

Wear and Tear

Gears wear each other out
as they run together
over time
not intentionly
or by design.
It is just a consequence
of the way things are.
Oil lets the gears
work together, reducing friction
and damage.
Respect works that way
with people

TJ 2009

I have probably written enough poems to make another book, but haven't taken the time or found the energy to work at refining them for prime time. Janet and I still direct market organically raised grass-fed beef. Look up British White cattle toes what our cattle look like. They are beautiful and very gentle to work with. But Seem to be slowing down and getting more brittle. I have had both knees replaced 2 years ago. That surgery was very successful and has enabled me to keep raising my cows. This winter I fell on the ice in December completely tearing one of my rotator cuff muscles. That is a slow recovery. Janet is remarkable in how many things she knows about and how very many things she can do. She has proved without a doubt that she is a farmer. I always knew that. Another time I will share a poem about intelligent women if you would like.
Well I have been going on and on so I should close now. Before I do that I would remind you that you have touched many lives in a most constructive and inspiring way. God bless you and your family.

Terry Jacobson

John, I am sending so much love from down here in Portland. I'm glad to hear you're taking it easy on beautiful Bainbridge and am impressed by your hopeful and grateful attitude towards everything you've been going through. It's an example to me and to so many others. Great to have a family that's doing such wonderful things. I think of you often and am sending prayers your way. hugs, Dorothy

Thank you John for sharing . Enjoy with Julie, family and friends
Love and peace!!

Thank you for sharing your heart, your pain, and your difficult journey, John. This couldn't have been an easy decision nor an easy one to write about -- your courage, strength, love and openness show what an amazing person you are. You and Julie are wonderful examples for us all on how to live each day with gratitude, compassion and love. I'll continue to pray for strength and comfort for you and your family. I'm so grateful to call you and Julie friends. Love you both.

I can only imagine that this has been a difficult message for you to write and share, and yet I feel your contentment and peace with your current life on Bainbridge Island. We are thankful that you have this special time in this special place with little Arlo, Julie, and all of your family. We pray for your daily comfort and courage, and want you to know that you and Julie are loved very much.