SP1 N2 StarDate 2024.0521

“On Loss & Reflection”

I believe it has been 30 Mays since I first met Mr. Rosenthal...

The word I associate with Jimmy: “Best.”

As I recall, I first visited Jodi’s childhood home in the spring of 1994; it's an early memory from our history. I think I may have met Mr. and Mrs. Rosenthal before that, but the timing slides right to left…

From then until 1998, our visits to Los Angeles were "every-now-and-then" and it was during this period that I started to understand the depth of his love for his girls. When I asked if I could marry Jodi, we both cried. Then, time sped up. I traveled to New York, Austin, Las Vegas, and even Italy for family events and vacations to be around the Rosenthals.

When we shared that the Air Force needed us to go to Alabama, we cried…again.

I am of that age where I know there will be more “last times” ahead. Already in the past few years I've sat in the reflection that "that was the last time I'll do that or be there or see them..."

My challenge is to be more “here” and less “all over.” I'm not being fatalistic or negative; not asking myself to stress out about every moment...

…instead, to give my best to what is right in front of me. A lesson I learned from Jimmy.

Over the past 30 years, he has been a part of my life.

And now, we are apart. I already miss him.

James “Jimmy” Michael Rosenthal

11 Apr 1938 - 18 May 2024

Pop, we miss you.

Tremendously.

Jodi is who she is because of what you provided. We will continue to BE, while everything we DO is now a little different.

You have left us a legacy, a series of lessons that are ours to use and amplify. Sitting here on our porch, I can think of a few…

Jodi used your Robinson's card to buy me a suit in 1995.

I needed that to interview for jobs. And…it worked.

In 1996, we told you I’d serve as a high school teacher.

You said, “Be the best. “

In ‘99, Jodi married me.

A “best” day, you said.

In 2000, we told you I’d be a consultant.

“Be the best,” you said with a smile.

In ‘06, we said we’d start our own company.

“Be the best,” you said again.

In ‘12, we said I’d be an author.

“Be the best,” you reminded me.

In ‘18, we told you we were moving to Alabama.

“Be the best,” … I knew it was coming.

In ‘23, we said I was moving to #Space, and in ‘24, we said we were moving back.

“That’s the BEST!” (You said that…)

We were here, and most importantly, your two daughters were by your side... where you wanted.

Two women who are…

the best.

Last week, you and I had a few moments at the City of Hope hospital. You told me that you are proud of me, I said I am thankful for you. We talked when you could, and together - we both agreed - we are smart enough to realize that we have been given more than we deserve.

I think it’s because whatever we do…we do our best. And, if we can be better, we learn how. We ask for help, and we give where and when we can. And that, Pop Pop, is what you taught me over the past three decades.

A lesson I will take with me.

Rest easy, Jimmy.

Much love and light,

Jason