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JT - Jeff Taylor Sr.

Just YesterdayJust Yesterday10+ posts
"JT", a HSBBW old timer, passed away this afternoon after a tragic accident in Lynchburg, VA. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with his loss.

I don't post often, but read alot, and know that so many of you are friends.

JT passed away while throwing BP on the baseball field at Lynchburg College. He was a kind man, who shared so much knowledge and passion here.
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ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by Just Yesterday:
"JT", a HSBBW old timer, passed away this afternoon after a tragic accident in Lynchburg, VA. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with his loss.

I don't post often, but read alot, and know that so many of you are friends.

JT passed away while throwing BP on the baseball field at Lynchburg College. He was a kind man, who shared so much knowledge and passion here.

I met Jeff last year in Lynchburg. Him and I have been very close. He has been very supportive of my son. Can you please post more details.
Last edited by ClevelandDad
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
"It seems the older the boys get...the faster the time flies and the less time we have to enjoy their ride."

This is the conclusion of an email I received on 4/20/09 from our wonderful and caring friend, and my DIII sharing cyber parent, JT.
For some reason, I think Jeff's spirit would want his message to be shared.
As I read it, and read CD's post, I am overwhelmed with grief. My thoughts are with Jeff's family in hopes they will find comfort in knowing how much he loved them, and especially with Jeff, Jr. and JT's Dad
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
Oh my god, I just can't believe it, this is getting to be too much. I just can not imagine how JT junior must be right now.

I am so sad, my heart breaks for his family.

JT, one of the nicest sweetest persons I have met here. His dad is a big Cardinals fan, so he was always inquiring about how DK was doing and a huge fan.

I am at a loss for words.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by deldad:
I can not find the words. My thoughts and prayers go to JT's family. My heart aches for his son.

There are to many angels in heaven tonight.

That was an unbelievably gracious post. My thoughts and prayers continue for you and your family deldad. There are indeed too many angels in heaven this evening cry
Bulldog 19Bulldog 195,000+ posts
I just wish it all would end. I've been trying to find the words for the past hour. As I was just telling a member via Facebook, we don't realize how small a community the game of baseball is until something like this happens.

Here we are people from all over the United States and even from around the world remembering Mr. Taylor tonight because he opened his heart and his life to all of us on this site as many of us do on here each and every day. These communities become tight groups and something like this just tears us all apart.

I just hope this period of tragedy ends soon. I will be headed to bed here soon; I have a feeling I'll cry myself to sleep tonight..
infidel_08infidel_081,000+ posts
What a terrible loss for the Taylor family and the HSBBW family.

The mention of all the losses we have suffered this spring and last fall, coupled with all the grief expressed reminded me how much we have gained and have grown through the HSBBW community. I am richer for having had so many new friends in my life; even if some have left us way too soon.
ILVBBILVBB1,000+ posts
My heart aches. My youngest son is a student at Lynchburg in part due to the kind and caring counsel of JT. We shared common ground with our kids and had become more than just a cyber friend.

I am heading to VA next week and had hoped to share a moment with a friend that shared both a passion for his son and to all student athletes.

JT - you are loved, respected and will be missed.
J JT1,000+ posts
Hello everyone this is Jeff's Bride Mary Clare. Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Jeff really did get a kick out of all the Karma threads...he amazing me. Our 25th Anniversary will be this June 9th...I still can't believe he won't be here with me to celebrate it. For those who don't know Jeff was throwing BP to Jeffrey this afternoon and a line drive hit him just under his left ear when he turned his head. This will be particularly hard on Jeffrey who is not going to give up on baseball or the dream of being drafted. His baseball comrades will be there for him and me. Thank you for being my husband's friends.

In His Grip, Mary Clare
P pfbear13100+ posts
MC-

JT and I e-mailed everyday. We were in a little group together for about the last 12 years. I just spoke to him this weekend when he called to see how my son's game was going. Brad and Jeffrey are going to be playing together this summer in Martinsville. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to both you and Jeffrey. Your husband was a great man who has touched many lives and will be missed by more people than you will ever know.
hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
Words just don't work here. I left for work around 5:30 this morning, turned on my cell phone, and had the message from Mary Clare. I'm stunned. I too traded e-mails daily with Jeff, sometimes several. He e-mailed me yesterday with thoughts about some work Jeff, Jr. wanted to do on his hitting. He not only kept up with his own son but many others as well ,and was alwasy quick to send congrats on jobs well done.

This was a wonderful man. He loved and adored his family. He was a baseball dad that fully supported his son every step of the way, always wanting only what was best for him. My wife and I were fortunate enough to enjoy dinner with Jeff and Mary Clare when Lynchburg came down to play CNU; we don't often get to meet fellow posters, much less share dinner and conversation, so it was a delight, and now it becomes an even more precious memory.

Jeff was a believer. We talked occasionally about faith journeys and I have no doubt as to exactly where he is right now, and I hope baseball is there.

May God bless Jeff, Jr, Mary Clare, Jeff's family, and his countless friends. He led a good life and made a difference.



Jay

p.s. Jeff posted regularly on d3baseball.com under "A.G." I never did get around to asking him what the heck "A.G." stood for..
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Originally posted by JT:
Hello everyone this is Jeff's Bride Mary Clare. Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Jeff really did get a kick out of all the Karma threads...he amazing me. Our 25th Anniversary will be this June 9th...I still can't believe he won't be here with me to celebrate it. For those who don't know Jeff was throwing BP to Jeffrey this afternoon and a line drive hit him just under his left ear when he turned his head. This will be particularly hard on Jeffrey who is not going to give up on baseball or the dream of being drafted. His baseball comrades will be there for him and me. Thank you for being my husband's friends.

In His Grip, Mary Clare

Mary Clare - my very deepest condolences. Jeff was one of my very best friends on the planet. We communicated all the time about many things.

One of his loves was music (like mine) and he started the American Idol thread in the Oh/Ky/Pa/Wv forum where many of our members enjoyed chatting on a weekly basis.

When Jeffery got into the Southern Collegiate League last year and then the Coastal Plains, I shared every secret I knew with Jeff to help Jeffery transition from aluminum to wood. Obviously, Jeffery figured things out quite nicely.

Just a few short days ago, he let me know that Lynchburg had been defeated in the playoffs. My suggestion was to get Jeffery working with wood every day to give him a leg up on his competition. Here was Jeff's reply to my suggestion and the last thing he privately said to me:
quote:
That is EXACTLY the plan. Get him into tip-top shape and swing the wood like its no tomorrow! Last year he had less than two weeks to prepare and took it easy...now he knows.

Good luck to the Coastal...looks like a big showdown for first place on the horizon for next weekend!

Jeff went to high school with my son's college coach - Coach Gilmore and he knew him well. I will call the coach this morning to let him know what happened.

It is no consolation that Jeff died doing what he loved to do - to see his son make it to the big leagues. I shared the same dream with him. He will be dearly missed cry

Dan
Last edited by ClevelandDad
Dad04Dad045,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by JT:
Hello everyone this is Jeff's Bride Mary Clare. Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Jeff really did get a kick out of all the Karma threads...he amazing me. Our 25th Anniversary will be this June 9th...I still can't believe he won't be here with me to celebrate it. For those who don't know Jeff was throwing BP to Jeffrey this afternoon and a line drive hit him just under his left ear when he turned his head. This will be particularly hard on Jeffrey who is not going to give up on baseball or the dream of being drafted. His baseball comrades will be there for him and me. Thank you for being my husband's friends.

In His Grip, Mary Clare


Mary Clare, I am so very sorry for your family and friends' loss. JT was a very positive voice and influence on so many. He did make a difference, as someone said. His glass was always half full. Mine is bone dry right now.
coach2709coach270910,000+ posts
quote:
Jeff was throwing BP to Jeffrey this afternoon and a line drive hit him just under his left ear when he turned his head. This will be particularly hard on Jeffrey


My deepest sympathies go out and I think we all need to say an extra prayer for Jeff Jr. I can't imagine how that young man is feeling right now and hope and pray he is able to find a way to deal with this.
L lafmom5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Orlando:
Mary Clare, my heart goes out to you and your son. You know that Jeff's spirit resides, in part, right here and that this community will always be there to support your and Jeff Jr's journey.

Absolutely!!

Isn't it striking at the posts from all of us who considered JT a genuine friend. I guess not that striking when you think about who Jeff was. The lives he touched! Last night I posted and shared from the keyboard of a Toshiba laptop. A laptop I purchased a couple months ago. A laptop that JT helped me purchase through his advice and links. JT appeared to have time for everyone - no matter how big or how insignificant the need.
Backstop-17Backstop-17500+ posts
While not knowing Jeff, I am also saddened by this. Whenever we lose someone it is difficult and we ask why. One thing I know is that on here we are all in the same frame of mind and share the same life as JT, so it affects us all in a deeply personal way.

My prayers go out to Mary Clare and Jeffrey and to all the family. May the Lord comfort you and keep you in this time of sorrow. May He provide a quiet assurance of his love He has for you and that Jeff is with Him today.
piaa_umppiaa_ump5,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by hokieone:

Jeff was a believer. We talked occasionally about faith journeys and I have no doubt as to exactly where he is right now, and I hope baseball is there.

May God bless Jeff, Jr, Mary Clare, Jeff's family, and his countless friends. He led a good life and made a difference.
..


and in that I draw my comfort and I pray yours.........my sincere condolences to all...
Last edited by piaa_ump
FrankFFrankF1,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by piaa_ump:
quote:
Originally posted by hokieone:

Jeff was a believer. We talked occasionally about faith journeys and I have no doubt as to exactly where he is right now, and I hope baseball is there.

May God bless Jeff, Jr, Mary Clare, Jeff's family, and his countless friends. He led a good life and made a difference.
..



and in that I draw my comfort and I pray yours.........my sincere condolences to all...


Amen. May God comfort you all at this time,
Just YesterdayJust Yesterday10+ posts
The article referenced on the first page (in the Lynchburg newspaper) has been updated. There is also a picture of Jeff provided by Liberty University. Adding the link again so no one has to go searching.

For those of you near Lynchburg, heard from the team that a viewing will be held on Friday night from 6 - 8pm with the funeral Saturday morning at 10:00am. I'm sure the details and locations will be in the same newspaper this link takes you too.

Lynchburg News Advance

Still so shocked and saddened by this absolute tragedy.
cpkebaseballdadcpkebaseballdad100+ posts
I have read JT's post on this forum for years, so even though I didn't know him, I feel like I knew him. I truly feel for Jeff Jr. and his mother. My sincere condolences to the entire family.

With all the hours spent at the ballfield, a special relationship develops between a player and his father. There isn't a player or father out there who doesn't share the emotion of what is must be a surreal reality for the Taylor family. What a freak accident. I just hope Jeff Jr. will continue to play... I'm sure his dad would want him to continue.

Doesn't matter if you're doing something you love ...with someone you love (such as pitching BP to your son) or sick with a terminal illness....when the Lord calls you to His Home...it's time to go Home. We can't understand why or how something like this can happen, but God is in control and he will provide a way to survive even this. May God strengthen this family and bring them peace in their spirit...peace that passes understanding.
L lafmom5,000+ posts
Mary Clare,
Thank you. A dear poster had given me your address. I appreciate your info and I imagine others will also appreciate your email so they may check on you all. I'll be in touch and you're in my prayers.
Charlotte

Edit: Mary Clare, I'm going to have your post edited and your phone number removed because of safety purposes. I'll leave your email, but it's probably best to not share the phone number with cyber world.
Last edited by lafmom
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
Here is one of the greatest tributes to fathers, sons, and baseball that I have ever read. People wonder sometimes why baseball is so important around here. It is important because it is about so much more than baseball.

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna...ough_baseball/15578/

The link is a little slow and sometimes needs refreshed to come up properly. Here is a copy of the article - RIP Jeff!!

quote:
By Dave Thompson

Published: April 29, 2009

LU professor, son bonded through baseball

Jeff Taylor Sr. had been throwing batting practice for his son since Jeff Jr. was in youth league in Asheville, N.C. The two practiced together through the younger Taylor’s junior year at Lynchburg College.

Taylor Sr.’s widow, Mary Clare Taylor, recalled on Wednesday the circumstances surrounding her husband’s tragic death this week.

Father and son were having just such a batting practice on Tuesday afternoon at Lynchburg College’s Fox Field, she said, when a line drive hit her husband near his jaw or throat area, and he collapsed on the pitcher’s mound.

Taylor was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at Lynchburg General Hospital.

“I received the phone call at 3:35 at work,” Mary Taylor said.

“After he got hit and Jeffrey ran up there,” she said, “he said he was OK, but then his eyes rolled back. So his son, my son, was actually trying to do CPR.”

Taylor Sr., 44, an assistant professor of health sciences and kinesiology at Liberty University, was in the process of working on his doctorate in education from Liberty, his wife said, and always had been an avid baseball fan.

Taylor Sr.’s feelings about baseball manifested themselves in most aspects of his life, his wife said, down to the family dog’s name — “Slider McGwire VonRyan,” named after a type of pitch, slugger Mark McGwire and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.

“I’m not a die-hard baseball mom, but I do try,” she said.

“I will freeze to death out there watching Jeffrey,” she added, “but I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for him.”

Her husband and son were practicing so her son wouldn’t get rusty before he started playing summer ball with the Martinsville Mustangs, a summer collegiate baseball team.

“My son, who is a go-getter, didn’t want to get lazy,” she said, “so they were throwing batting practice yesterday.”

Four other Lynchburg College players also had been on the field that day, said LC Vice President John Eccles in an e-mail to faculty, staff and students at the college Wednesday. He did not identify the players.

Eccles said college emergency workers were the first on the scene and administered CPR to Taylor.

Lynchburg emergency crews transported Taylor to Lynchburg General Hospital.

“Lynchburg College sends its deepest condolences to the Taylor family in the wake of this accident,” the e-mail read, adding that counseling is available to the LC community.

Eccles said LC baseball coach Percy Abell knew Taylor Sr. from interaction with him at the college’s baseball games.

“He was at every game,” Eccles said. “Coach Abell said he was at most practices. He was an enthusiastic supporter, just loved baseball.”

Taylor said her husband passed that love on to their son, through his earliest experiences in the game.

“Once he did his first official year of little league when he was 6, he was hooked.”

When the younger Taylor was in fourth grade, in Asheville, his mother said, he used to shag fly balls on occasion with Baltimore Orioles third baseman Ty Wiggington, then playing for the University of North Carolina Asheville, where her husband was the head trainer.

Her son’s fate, she said, was pretty much decided even before he knew what baseball was.

“He had seven baseball outfits within a month of being born.”

Mary Taylor said she remembers a string of major life events intertwined with baseball.

“My 40th birthday was on a baseball field. Our 15th anniversary happened on the baseball field, our kid turned 11,” she said, all within about two weeks of each other.

The couple would have celebrated their 25th anniversary in June.

James Nutter, an associate professor of English at Liberty, heads up the school’s quiz bowl program on which Taylor Sr. participated last year, as a graduate student.

“We had a quiz bowl scrimmage between the varsity team and the faculty,” Nutter said, noting Taylor was one of the first to respond.

“He just loved it so much, and he was so good,” Nutter said. “He had a photographic memory, and just knew every type of sports trivia imaginable.”

Liberty Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. addressed students at Liberty’s convocation Wednesday, saying Liberty had lost a “great professor.”

“We just need to remember that family in our prayers,” he said.

Falwell said Tuesday night that he received a call from Lynchburg College President Kenneth Garren after the accident, notifying him of Taylor’s death.

Taylor, Falwell said, was leader of the student group known as the LUnatics, and was loved by many students.

By Wednesday evening, dozens of well-wishers had posted comments to the Liberty sports-fan Web site http://www.flamefans.com.

Liberty students also painted the “Spirit Rock” on campus in memory of Taylor.

“He obviously touched more lives than I was ever aware of,” said Mary Taylor.

Visitation for Jeff Taylor Sr. is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

Heritage United Methodist Church will hold a service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Mary Taylor said.

Last edited by ClevelandDad
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
I invite everyone to read this link on the DIII baseball blogspot about Jeff and his passion for his family, life, and baseball.
It includes a beautiful picture of Jeff, Mary Clare and Jeff, Jr.

http://www.d3sports.com/dailyd...y-of-jeff-taylor-sr/

As JT told me in his last email, "a Dad's/coaches work is never done." When you read this link, I think you might agree that JT's work isn't done, it is just being completed from a different place.
Last edited by infielddad
infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
Mary Clare and Jeff, Jr.
When you happen to check the HSBBW and this thread, please know we have all been thinking of you today.
While we could not be there in person today, we were/are with you.
As I posted before, thank you for sharing Jeff with us and thank you for letting him share his love for you, for life, and for baseball with us.
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
Here is another link that was started on the Liberty Flames fans message board. It starts with the first terrible news of Jeff's accident and then later on provides some personal accounts of Jeff's funeral and memorial - needless to say, baseball was featured prominently at Jeff's funeral... Both Jeff Jr. and Mary Clare were able to speak at the memorial and by all accounts it was very moving...

http://flamefans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12676

Here is but one of the anecdotes from the thread:
quote:
I was in line by 6:15 pm, and the wait to get in was at least a full hour. They had a PowerPoint of pictures going, everything from black & whites when Jeff was a little boy, to college pics when Jeff had some 1970s hair, wedding photos where I swear Jeff and I had the same mid-'80s white tux (with matching shoes), to team pics of Jeff coaching his son in Little League, to even a Quiz Bowl pic we took standing with a statue of the Hokie bird at Virginia Tech...

In Jeff's casket were 2 baseball bats--one wooden & one aluminum, a very worn baseball glove, an autographed baseball from somebody's grand slam (I'm guessing his son's), batting gloves, and a pencil drawing of Christ on the cross dated 1973.

The Pittsburgh Pirates apparently found out about this terrible tragedy and sent representatives out of respect... shows how big of heart baseball people have...
Last edited by ClevelandDad
cvstingcvsting1,000+ posts
I am just numb. I too have had the pleasure of knowing JT over the past several years. We met on this site as our son's were about to graduate from high school and go off to start their college baseball years.

I met Jeff in person at a showcase/tournament in Petersburg, VA a couple of years back when our son's teams played each other, and again last year at the D-III regionals in Danville.

There was an extended rain delay that night, not quite a year ago. Jeff was always so supportive of all the players no matter who they played for and full of energy and life. He taped the antics of the players while we waited for the game to resume. We talked and laughed and just had a downright good time. He posted the film he made on youtube.com and since I have shared his footage with many of my players and friends. The game ended in the early morning like around 1 or 2 AM, little did I know that would be the last time I saw Jeff Taylor. We since had emailed one another as he did with many of you on this site.

Truly a tragic event to remind us all of how life is so fragile and short.

Yesterday, my son finished his College baseball career and will graduate this December. As he was recognized by his peers before the game, I had both tears of joy and sadness in my eyes about these two, so different, events that touched our lives.

To Jeffrey and Mary Clare, our prayers are with you for strength and guidance from above.

CV
Last edited by cvsting
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that we have created a new forum, In Memory, so that we can remember beloved friends and family members who have passed, and honor their lives with fond stories.

Our remembrance threads for Nick Adenhart and Brandon Villalobos have been moved to In Memory, and in a day or two you will find this remembrance for our dear friend JT there.

Thank you,

Julie


Julie
Last edited by MN-Mom
hokieonehokieone5,000+ posts
It's been a week since we lost Jeff and it feels odd not to be trading 4-5 e-mails a day with him about baseball, sons, tournament bids, life, or something or other.

With regard to the thread about "cyber-friends", I have no doubt that Jeff Taylor would have jumped in his car and driven 3-4 hours to give the shirt off of his back if any of his friends, hometown or cyberspace, needed it. Beyond 3-4 hours, being the very smart and educated guy that he was, he would've shipped the shirt.

He is greatly missed and I continue to pray for Mary Clare and Jeff, Jr. He was one heck of a good man.


H-1
L lafmom5,000+ posts
With father's day approaching, I ask that we all think of Jeff Jr and Mary Clare. I just spoke through emails to Mary Clare and just having Mother's day last month, a milestone birthday herself, as well as what would have been their 25th wedding anniversary this month, the emotions and loss are deeply felt. I'm sure with father's day, that Jeff will be on many minds.

The HSBBW family's thoughts and prayers continue to be with all the Taylors.
CM Coach May1,000+ posts
Happy Fathers day Jeff. I miss you. I miss reading your posts and learning from you each and every time. The Lord is watching over your boy. He will be fine. Thank God for people like you. You are the type of person that makes baseball the greatest game on the planet. I know you are still watching your son play. God would have it no other way!
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
quote:
Originally posted by Coach May:
Happy Fathers day Jeff. I miss you. I miss reading your posts and learning from you each and every time. The Lord is watching over your boy. He will be fine. Thank God for people like you. You are the type of person that makes baseball the greatest game on the planet. I know you are still watching your son play. God would have it no other way!


Just ran across this. Thats a beautiful thought Coach May with Truth written all over it. God bless you JT and your wife and son.
A AbigailMember
Mary Clare and Jeff, Jr. I seldom visit HSBW anymore so it was with great sadness that I just read of Jeff's passing.....there is not much for me to add......all postings speak to what a wonderful man he was. Just want to say that you both will be in my prayers for you have indeed suffered a great loss. God be with you, and give you strength to cope and carry on. I am so very sorry.
B brideofJT10+ posts
I shared with lafmom this funny a cute story about Jeff just this morning. Twenty seven years ago on the evening of the All Star game Jeff and I had our first "official" date. Went to a pizza place and he strategically seated me where he could see the TV and watch the All Star too! I had no clue!!!! We have laughed about this for years.

The Scholarship information posted by lafmaom is something that Jeff's boss, Vance has taken under his wing. It is Vance's goal to make this scholarship self funding. At this point in time we are just shy of $4000. There will most likely be a Golf Tournament and if it can be pulled off a exhibition baseball game between Lynchburg College and Liberty University. Now that would be cool. The scholorship is intended for a Senior in the Athletic Training Education Program where Jeff was the Clinical Coordinator.

I was also told that the athletic training lab room is going to be named after Jeff sometime this school year. It appears they may have found someone to fill Jeff's position...I am glad that he was a former football trainer at Lynchburg College. It might be easier for someone who actually knew Jeff than a "stranger"...they might have been a little overwhelmed by following Jeff.

Anyway, Jeffrey and I are doing well...as I say to people who ask, "we haven't crawled under a rock yet". When you can still count your blessings during times like this you know God is watching over you! Jeff and I were married 25 years (June 9th...I celebrated for the both us!). I think Jeff was having more fun planning my surprise 50th birthday party though. He would have pulled it off I am sure.

God Bless all of you,
Mary Clare
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
quote:
Anyway, Jeffrey and I are doing well...as I say to people who ask, "we haven't crawled under a rock yet". When you can still count your blessings during times like this you know God is watching over you! Jeff and I were married 25 years (June 9th...I celebrated for the both us!). I think Jeff was having more fun planning my surprise 50th birthday party though. He would have pulled it off I am sure.

God Bless you and Jeffery Mary Clare! angel
Last edited by ClevelandDad
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
.

It is widely believed that God is omniscient, but he now has a guy on his team that may know a bit more about baseball than the Almighty himself.

I can imagine the two of them sitting on their lofty perches with willowy clouds drifting by and excitedly discussing in great detail all of the games being played below.

And your husband has strategically positioned his perch so as to keep his loving eye on you and Jeffrey.

Thank God some things never change.

And thank you for sharing with us Mary Clare.


.
B brideofJT10+ posts
Hello Everyone!

It's been along time so I thought in case anyone was looking I would tell you how things are going. I'd like to say it's all "peaches 'n' cream" but it has been somewhat of a struggle for me these past few months. The auto-pilot crashed around September...the pilot flew all summer getting me to as many of Jeffrey's games as possible and still keep my job. Everyone around me has been very supportive and counseling helps too...I am not too proud to admit that I needed some extra help.

It was Thanksgiving Day before I went to Jeff's gravesite fir the first time since the day of the funeral...it took along time to get the marker in place and I didn't want to go until it was there. Yes it was sad. Now Christmas is upon us and I am doing my best to remember that the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus and Jeff will be celebrating that in a most personal way! Jeffrey and I will be going to Michigan (Detroit area) for Christmas which is where I am from. I have 4 siblings and we will all be together...I can't wait. And when one of my brothers found out I messed up with the airline tickets and booked PM flights not AM flights he called and paid the difference to change them...it was $500...now that is an awesome brother!

Today I picked up Jeff's Dugout Plaque that will go in the dugout at Lynchburg College. I just don't know how to insert a picture. If someone can tell me I will post it and other pictures for you to see. I also have some memorial stickers ($5...proceeds go to the scholarship fund at Liberty) I would like to show you.

God Bless to all of you,
Mary Clare
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
Mary Clare - God Bless and thanks for the update! I have been thinking of you and Jeffery as well. I think of Jeff Sr. often.

I think the easist way to post a picture is to e-mail them to the hsbbweb at

hsbaseballweb@comcast.net

I am guessing that Julie could then post them here.

The only other way to post pictures is to download the pictures to a hosting site like photobucket. Once there, you can grab the URL of the image by right clicking on the downloaded image and selecting properties. Once you have copied the URL from the properties page, you can paste the URL using the image tab at the top of the reply pane (2nd tab from right at top of reply post).
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
.

I'm so glad to hear from you that the Christmas Season is bringing out the best in those surrounding you and Jeffrey. To learn of the comfort and concern that your family is providing is uplifting...truly the Christmas spirit is thriving. Give your brother a hug.

Thank you for checking in with all of your friends here at the High School Baseball Web. We are pleased to hear from you and know of your journey. Continue with your progress and do keep us posted.

God bless you and Jeffrey...and your loving family.

.
Last edited by gotwood4sale
B brideofJT10+ posts
Thanks for getting the pictures posted. I did not make it clear that the pictures related to the EdD (not a PhD, his was in education and of course we must be politically correct..ha ha ha) were taken at the regular Liberty University graduation on May 9th. It was not a memorial service but it was announced before the speaker that he was awarded his degree and that there was an empty chair with Jeff's graduation gown, etc. sitting with all the other doctorate professors. This was at the general assembly of students and faculty at the football field. Then we were off to the Dept of Education's graduation and there is when we actully received Jeff's degree. I hope this makes sense.

Merry Christmas to Everyone! I will catch up again after the New Year starts.

In His Hands, Mary Clare
KrakatoaKrakatoa1,000+ posts
Mary Clare,

I often check in on this thread. JT always commented positively to my posted questions and we had some good thread laughs - he and gotwood would post some of the funniest things.

Enjoy your time in Michigan. I, too, am from the Detroit area....Northville, to be exact.....left in 1979 right after high school, but I guess it'll always seem like home.

Let your family embrace you and keep you warm.

Krak

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