Most astounding was the overall peace in spite of what might otherwise have been a volatile mixture of mammals. Soft voices, no growls and hardly a bark! My sister Suzanne and I had driven together and brought my dog Gracie along in spite of some hesitation. Gracie gets along well with people, however has been known to act up when approached by other dogs. As my dear friend Roseann’s car pulled in and she emerged to embrace me with a warm hug, I whispered “Joe would be so touched by this crowd today.”
We were gathered here to celebrate the life of Joe Russ, Roseann’s only son who had lost his battle with brain cancer after a valiant effort to live life to its fullest. Dogs and kids were invited. Everyone else came too.
Although I had never met Joe, I knew him well through the stories his mother has shared over the course of our friendship. This respected Cleveland FBI agent had married a fellow agent, Colleen shortly after his diagnosis. I learned that Colleen and Joe were actively involved in a canine rescue and adoption organization Canine Lifeline (www.caninelifeline.org) and had even arranged for adoptable dogs to be in our presence as part of the gathering. The crowd clearly gave a palpable sense of the man Joe was, his circle of friends and what he valued.
Teachers emerged in many forms during this day providing a banquet of food for thought:
The Hikers: The hiking trail took us up hills and through beautiful rock formations. The physical challenge and the natural beauty of the fall foliage were breathtaking. People were helpful to each other. The dogs hiked harmoniously too. Many paused along the way share their gratitude for the gifts of sunshine and clear skies.
The Mother – Roseann: As the crowd gathered in the Lodge following the hike, Roseann was the first to speak into the microphone. Her voice was steady and her message consciously crafted. I marveled at her steady voice as she shared her love and awe for her son and the life he lived. She set the tone for the speakers who would follow her lead.
The FBI Commander: This leader gave us a glimpse of the teamwork and bonding that is essential to the life of an FBI agent. Joe’s brothers on the force had been instrumental in allowing for Joe to remain in his home as his illness progressed. They offered time, attention and friendship when it was needed most. They deeply admired the service Joe had given their team in his healthier days. We learned that he was not only a computer geek, but also a sniper, SWAT team member and devoted friend. This commander gave me a new respect for the good things the agents for our federal government do behind the scenes to ensure our safety and security.
Colleen: As a new wife, she’s been through so much. It is hard to imagine the grace and courage needed to get through each day of the past year. Today she is mourning, but also joyful. Her life purpose clearly included this experience of love through sickness and health. Colleen orchestrated this unconventional memorial and it is splendid. Her gratitude and appreciation for all of the support is apparent. Her family and extended family surrounds her with love.
The Dogs: it is now quite obvious that dogs teach us devotion and loyalty lessons, just as our human teammates do. As calm canines rested at the feet of hikers, it was clear that team players like Joe are naturally drawn to dogs as friends. How nice that the dogs could be here to share the beauty of the day. I am especially grateful to my Gracie for allowing children and grieving strangers to draw comfort from her soft fur and gentle eyes. It was a blessing that I brought her and she was up to the task. I can trust her for other encounters like this one and will remember to bring her along more often.
Joe was perhaps our greatest teacher today. His life was lived with purpose and joy. He found love through family, marriage, in his work, and through pets. He generously shared his gifts with family and community. His legacy will live on through every life he touched. Thank you Joe! Count me in as one of those lives.
