Dear Reader. I apologize for not writing any posts last week.
After a long battle with cancer, my dad, my hero, my best friend, John Francis Clark, passed away last Sunday night. While he’d been suffering for a long time and I can take some comfort that I was with him and that he’s no longer in pain, I was pole-axed.
I still am.
I had no energy or enthusiasm or desire to write last week, and frankly, I was uncertain I could continue, let alone start up again this week. But a few things compel me forward.
One, I strongly believe in routine and discipline and habit. This structure grounds me, especially in the difficult times. Like prayer and exercise, this blog has become a part of that daily structure.
Two, my dad loved this blog and that I started and maintained it all this time. He loved reading each post and then talking to me about it. Sometimes with a suggestion or note or an idea for a future post, but more often than not, he’d just say “Ooh, I liked that one.” He’d want me to continue writing.
Three, all of you. Nothing makes me happier than knowing a certain post resonated or affected or helped you in some small way. Thank you for reading, for commenting, for encouraging. I take your time very seriously and as such, I will continue to always do my best with this blog. When we’re suffering, one thing that helps is knowing that our suffering, our learning, our personal growth can end up being of service to others.
Finally, I am truly blessed and grateful to have such an incredible family and friends to lean on right now. Thank you to all of you who heard the news and reached out to check in. We’ll be okay. As my dad would say EVERY, SINGLE, TIME I visited or talked to him, “We’ll get through it.” That was his mantra. It’s mine. Let it now be yours too.
You’re here for me.
I’m here for you.
With anything you’re struggling with right now, just know that together, “We’ll get through it.”
P.S. – Below are a couple of childhood pics of me and my superhero…
The Vs. Studio Blog 
So sorry for your loss Johnny. What a blessing that you got to be there with him in the end.Thank you so much for sharing this and the photos of you and your DAD , so sweet and beautiful. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
Agnete
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Your writing inspires, motivates, and encourages me. I can now see that you got it from your dad aka your superhero. Sending you so much love and prayers during this time. Keep being light you are and I can only imagine how proud your dad is of you.
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Thank you Shelby for this beautiful note and for the prayers and love.
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Hi Johnny, I’m so sorry to hear this news. From what you’ve written here, and before, it sounds like your dad was truly one of life’s greatest gifts to you, and you to him. I’m thankful for him, for his encouragement of you, and for the beautiful person it sounds like he was, and that our lives have crossed and stayed crossed too. Sending lots of love and strength to get through this. Jennifer
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Thank you Jennifer. I too am grateful the workshop brought us together and that we’ve stayed in touch.
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My condolences 😦 Thank you for sharing your life with us. Your dad seems like such a beautiful person. Keeping you and your family in my prayers 🙏🏼 God bless.
(Your blogs have kept me going during my darkest days. My Bible and your posts are what start my every morning to give me hope and inspiration. May our support be encouraging in ways that your words have continually encouraged us 💙)
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Thank you Katrina for reaching out. I am so glad to hear that the posts are helpful. That warms my heart. Stay strong. And always remember, “we will get through it.”
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Thank you for sharing your heart with us, Johnny. Your story will touch so many, including myself, and it will help us all heal together. I’m so glad you were able to be there with your dad when he passed, it is a truly precious gift. These photos of you and him, ah, the love just shines through. ❤️
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Thank you Cindy.
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It is our history and our mandate–that we will get through it. Let it also be our joy. May God bless you and your family, Johnny. And may your memory of John be a continued blessing to you as time winds on. Love you, Brother.
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Thank you George.
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your dad’s energy is of good stuff….I’m imagining his energy soaring free on a new adventure..high vibration….fueled by the love, pride and awe he has for his boy. my gut tells me he’s still holding you…just like these pictures.
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Thank you Cara.
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Dear Johnny, may your dad’s memory always be a blessing. He will be there inside you always. He was immensely proud of you.
Abrazos,
Bobby
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Thank you Bobby for this lovely note.
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Dear Johnny,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your father’s memory always be a blessing and a guide throughout your life. Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos of you and your father.
Abrazos,
Bobby
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Johnny, my heart goes out to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss and I remember your dad from Chicago. What an amazing man and his memory will carry on through you.
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Thank you so much Jen.
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