Jonathan, Jason's friend, wrote on www.menwhoknit.com this morning...

"At 10.03 am this morning Jason passed on, thankfully he did so in the comfort of his own home, he had been spending the past days in hospital, though not unexpected to me it came quite sudden."

It's hard to hear - but was expected - we were told that Jason would most likely not survive the summer by his doctors.  We knew he was fighting the fight, but in the end, the knitting community from around the world with all our prayers and good hopes for him could not save him -

I never met Jason - he was only a friend from the internet - but somehow I feel like I knew him - his passing brings me right back to the passing of my father a few years ago - when he lost his battle with cancer... It also reminds me of something my Grandmother wrote years ago... it's not totally related, but I think there's a relavent message in it:

"Remember that each new day is a fresh start for us all. Yesterday with its disappointments and failures is behind us -- irrevocably gone. Tomorrow, with whatever promises it may bring is beyond the door of the future. All any of us has is today... so make the most of each today, and the tomorrows will take care of themselves."

We were lucky enough to learn of Jason's story... and over 100 people participated in the making of squares to construct a blanket for him.  We showed Jason (and ourselves) that there exists, in the world, hope and concern for others... even those we don't really know--- we proved that our families are not exclusively those we have met or know - that the internet friendships we have developed are equally important.

Jonathan - (Jason's friend) was brave and wonderful during these difficult times - and I hope to continue to know him and learn from his compassion and love for others - It's July 4th - Independence day in the United States - and this day has taken on a whole new meaning for me now. 

Take time to call someone you love - or send them an email - spend 3 minutes and make sure they know you care - do it now... because this moment, right now, is the only one we really have.

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