Life is full of changes.
Codger Harold Peterson died on Wednesday morning, peacefully, in his sleep. We buried him today. He will be deeply missed by his family and his friends.
We knew sooner or later one of us would make that final journey.
We also agreed that would mean the end of the Codgers as a blog-entity, so as you can see, changes have been made here.
Our other blog and the on-line store have been closed.
This blog started out as just me—and it is again—just me.
Sunday Morning Update:
I just learned there was an obituary in the St. Paul paper for a “Harold Peterson.” This is not our Harold. The name “Harold Peterson” was a self-chosen “Blog Name” and not his real name. It was the only way we could get our friends to allow us to use their words in our blog.
Harold had prearranged his funeral and cremation—he didn’t want all the trappings. Notification of his passing went out by email and by telephone. A short service was held and a moving eulogy delivered by his son. It was attended by some 25 friends and family. His ashes were interred with his parents and siblings—just the way he wanted.
Jay
I am so sorry Jay. It really seems like the only thing to say. Even bloggers can be at a loss for words.
I hope you find words soon.
Blog on...
Jay,
I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss. We send our condolences to your families.
Harold, in his own words, was “a second tier actor” (along with Carl & Fred) in the “Codger” saga, and he liked it that way—still, he often had the best lines when we were gathered at the café—that is how he was in the real world; always ready with a quip—always well-timed, and usually somewhat inappropriate—and always reducing us to laughter.
Carl & Fred will go on with their busy lives.
Medford will reclaim the name “Medford” for his personal blog/wiki—written under his real name. Medford is a character there (I’m not certain if that “Medford” is a real person or not??).
As for me—I don’t know. Blogging is an addiction! Still, it was difficult this morning for me to open up AR—knowing that it will never be the same. Time will tell.
I think I’ll walk over to Boomer’s (he’s no doubt up now) and see if my step-beagle Daisy would like to go for a walk—I need some Daisy-time about now.
JaySarah & Lysa: I was just about to leave for my Daisy-time, and I saw your comments. Thank you.
JayI am so sorry. Thank you for bring Harold to the rest of us at Active Rain - We're all lucky you shared him with us.
Harold will be missed.
Jay,
I am sure if you need a long break you'll take it..blogging and all of us will always be here for you so if you need to reflect then go do what you need to do..maybe it will be better to relax for a while.
Jay...
Like others here I mourn with you. My prayers have been lifted.
I to am at a loss for words for I know that words can not heal wounds that runs this deep...
Only time can do that.
TLW...ROAR!
Peace be with you and the family.
Jay - I am so sorry to hear about Harold. Know many MANY thoughts, prayers, cyber-hugs, and so much more from all your AR friends are being sent your way and to Harold's family and friends.....I can only imagine how hard writing this post had to have been for you. I'm glad you're out with Daisy - animals give unconditional love and they seem to sense when the world is not right with those they shower with their love. May Daisy have sensed that with you and showered you with her love and dog slobber.... ;-)
Thoughts and prayers for you,
Ann
Jay,
Sorry to hear about Harold. My thoughts and prayers for you and Harold's family. :)
I didn't know him and haven't met you...new to AR...I do know the pain of the loss of someone you love. Know that in time, the pain of your loss will be replaced by the sweetness of the many memories he left which is something no one can ever take away. May God Walk With Him Always,
Jay
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Harold was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Please express our condolences to his family.
Sandra
Jay,
Harold is resting in Codger Heaven now..
"Once a Codger always a Codger!"
God bless.
Jay - so sorry to hear of your loss. Harold meant so much to all of us as well, and he will be missed. Thank you for letting us know. If there is anything we can do, you only need to ask.
Jeff
Cheryl, Peep, Gentle Maggie (Daisy worked her magic), Neal, BB & TLW, Neighbor Bonnie (she did), Sally, Irina, Ann (Daisy was great comfort—she seemed to know), Jeff, Suzanne, Tricia, Peep (sweet photo), Joe, Wayne & Linda, Mana, Sally & David, Jennifer, Sandra, Scott, Laura, Jeff D, Jennifer W-D, Christy, Jason S (LOL), Bob, Gena, Lenn (love the tribute—fitting), May, Missy, Susie:
I am truly overwhelmed by all your thoughtful comments and support. Thank you so much.
JayI haven't been on AR since yesterday morning, and I can't believe that I've come back to this. There just don't seem to be the right words out there to express my sorrow. Harold will be truly missed. I'll be sure to keep yours and his families in my prayers.
Maria
Midori & Maria: Thank you for your thoughts.
Jay
Jay,
Many thoughts and prayers be with you as well as Harold's family and all who were touched by his life. We're so sorry we didn't take more time to know him here in the Rain. He was obviously loved my many. We hope your memories will help to carry you through your sadness.
Like a bird
Singing in the rain,
Let grateful memories
Survive in time of sorrow.
<!-- END: COMPONENT --> <!-- BEGIN: COMPONENT -->—Robert Louis Stevenson
I am sadden to hear about your loss. I am sorry to say I never go to know Harold and the cloggers .. I constantly was looking at your blogs but sorry to say not got involved in any conversations. I've heard several AR members speak very highly of your bunch.
I am feeling like I missed out on getting to know a "great spirit"... my thoughts are with you and Harold's family
Melissa, Lisa & Robert, Janie, Wayne, Leanne, Desiree, David & Nattalie: Thank you.
Everyone: I will make your comments available to Harold’s family as I know they will appreciate very much your thoughts and prayers, thank you all again!
Jay
Jay,
My deepest sympathies to both you and Harolds family. I often read the Codgers in solitude but did not comment. I will miss the gentle and not so gentle humor and life advice. Time really does have a way of lessening the sorrow one feels when we lose someone close to us and hopefully this will be the same for you. Take care and keep well.
Teri, Sharon, Karen & Melody: Thank you for your kind words. The gang & I spent most of our time this morning at the coffee shop telling Harold anecdotes--and laughing. The healing is under way, as it should be.
Jay
Jay, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Saying goodbye is always so painful. Thank God he went home peacefully in sleep. That's a real blessing. I know you will cherish all the memories.
Hugs, Ginger