“GOD broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best...”
March 23, 2022
by Wendi Gapp
I just wanted to share with you some memories/stories about John. For me it took untill now to write on this page … I didn’t know what to say or how to say it…
John had been my client for three years I saw him on a regular basis twice a week.
John always made my day, always had a smile - twinkle in his eye , and a bad joke to share . Being John’s caregiver you never know how you’re going to react to what he might say next. Always entertaining! I don’t think there ever was a “bad day” He was so positive and so much fun!
He always loved it when Sharel had an errand to run ! He’d say “go make yourself a coffee” and “grab a few snickerdoodles on your way back in” he’d say “come watch the debate with me!” I would tell him I have chores to get done, he’d say in very stern voice “I’m the Boss…” then in a softer voice “at least until Sharel gets back” “So take a break, let’s watch some tv” and he’d laugh. I never was into politics but listening to John commentate always cracked me up!
He would have me sneak him a candy bar now and again … this might have been his way of saying that I was a bad cook … but he always ate the food I prepared with more bad jokes and laughter.
John’s been a great friend to me an excellent client. The love I have in my heart for him and Sheryl, is like family. I was not ready for his passing,
I have stories to share that may not be appropriate but are definitely funny and humiliating at the same time . I could write pages but a couple of these memories stood out …
I would come in and help John after his shower -it was always 100° or more in the bathroom ( if you knew me, I was the one who just couldn’t hack the heat) I pick up towels and clean the chairs wipe down the floor etc… after replacing the bucket into his shower chair I turned around to finish drying the floor … when John says , (what I thought I heard ) “Wendi’s going to bolt”meaning it’s very hot in there and I said “yes I am” and he says no and repeats what I thought he said again … then the third time he says “no no Wendi, you’ve got my BALLS !” That’s when I noticed that I had pinched him between his seat and the bucket… I was mortified he laughs and for the next several weeks I had to hear about “Balls”no matter what kind of balls they were it always ended with “do you remember”… I didn’t want to come back to work ever again! but I just couldn’t stay away! John’s sense of humor was contagious, even though the ordeal of that was traumatizing I continue to head back to the house twice a week.
Sharel & John always made me feel welcome . another memory to share … but pictures might be better . I love looking at the deer that would come to John’s glass double doors watching John’s reaction- loved it when he told me to go grab Sharel‘s BB gun to whack them in the butt because no matter how many times Sharel would try the deer just kept coming back to feast on her trees and bushes and boy did they! (By the way Sharel’s Mother’s Day gift was this BB gun… ) Although I was still mortified and still listening to the bad jokes pertaining to “balls”John definitely had a heart of gold! The love he had for Sharel was inspiring ! He would have me sneak around ordering her presents and picking up cake and flowers for her on many occasions… these two where the perfect match!
On one 4th of July John had given me a red white and blue cowboy hat that he bought at the game the weekend before -super giddy he was , I ware that hat proudly in Montana and here on regular basis! …. Every time I think of them a hummingbird stops to hover in front of me,
Another favorite was getting to “test” John’s homemade ICECREAM, that was the best! That and the occasional piece of cake, pie or banana bread, always with fancy coffee to back it up!
right about now I bet your wondering what this caregiver did for “work” to tell you the truth… naw,this was the most fun ever. I looked forward to seeing John & Sharel always! The conversations were and still are some of my best memories I shared with you both!
right about now I bet your wondering what this caregiver did for “work” to tell you the truth… naw,this was the most fun ever. I looked forward to seeing John & Sharel always! The conversations were and still are some of my best memories I shared with you both!
I have been so blessed to have had the pleasure of taking care of you both!
I love you❤️Wendi
