I met Patti, Christina's sister, about a year after Jon and Christina met in Spain. Learning about Jon, I was intrigued to hear how Christina and Jon met and how she came home one summer from teaching abroad talking about this guy she met. I remember sitting at the dinner table overhearing the family discuss being surprised at how quickly it had come to fruition. Like it was just meant to be...
I didn't really know either one of them, honestly. But, they both very quickly became family. We visited Jon and Christina for the first time in Florida after they had finished their teaching and travels abroad. I remember driving down from Orlando down the Fl turnpike in a Mustang, top-down... Cool ride. Even cooler visit doing some tourist stuff, but mostly lounging. It didn't feel strange or weird. It felt like I was hanging out and spending time with family.
A short time later I had the privilege of witnessing them get married. A very private, small group with only family. I was and am proud to be a part of it. Jon in all black, of course, but I remember distinctly the smile he had - ear to ear. Huge grin. A man head over heels in love. I know the feeling.... We celebrated their marriage with a burger on the beach. During our trips to Florida we enjoyed many games of chess, snorkling, a few games of madden and some guitar playing. He inspired me to learn to play and am disappointed my stick-to-it-ness severely lacks, from time to time... I think I'll dust off those guitars upon my return home to Ct.
I still recall my initial impressions of the man... He was, in almost every way, opposite of me. Introverted with a "go away" mentality - ha! An uncanny and exceptional ability to retain information and regurgitate on request. An ability to sit & read a 600 page book in a manner of days. All things my adhd brain doesn't allow, or at least, things I fight for.
Yet, with all of these differences... I never felt on the outside looking in. There are very few people in my life that are willing to tolerate my impulsive antics and other strange personality attributes, but Jon did. I'm not quite sure if he tolerated me because I was his sister's husband, or what. But, I know, I loved him very much. I do believe he enjoyed my company, as well. I think he would have said different, if not. I was told I was always welcome.
We began playing chess a few years after we met. And, that was what I'll always appreciate about my relationship with him, honestly. Because it speaks louder to me than just a game. Everyday, for years, a player - he or I, made a move. And, win or lose, if I didn't offer a rematch, he did. Again, It's just a game, but looking back at it, I have that type of relationship with one other person outside of my immediate family - my best man, George. Everyday interaction. And, from Jon, I'd take any interaction I could get.
Every day for years either he or I made a move. He won twice as many games as I did, of course, but it didn't matter. We always made a move. It was like second nature to check the board. What move did he make? What trap is he setting? But, more importantly, he was always there. Every day we made a move.
I'll miss him. And, our daily chess moves, more profoundly than I had given much thought to before.
If only I could have one more game...
Rest easy, Jon. Thank you for being a brother to me. I love you and I'll miss you.
- Andrew
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