John Matthew Plant's Obituary
From Dad….
About 25 years ago we learned that my wife Karen was pregnant with a boy. What would we name him? I wanted to name him “John” but she liked “Matthew”. We went back and forth on it, sometimes with “extra energy”. I would say JOHN, but she more loudly would reply MATTHEW! One day when we she retorted with “Matthew” I quickly and loudly yelled “Bless you” (get it, Matthew sounds like “Atchoo”, a sneeze). That caught her off-guard. Then I explained that she could name him whatever she wanted to but I would call him Johnny. Soon thereafter Johnny Matthew Plant was born.
It turns out that “Bless You” was very appropriate…
We have been blessed to have this beautiful soul in our lives for almost twenty five years. He was “different” and that worried us at times, but we soon learned and now know that it was an amazingly beautiful “different”. His Mom Karen and I believe that we had been chosen to care for this special one and we are profoundly honored and thankful. We pray that God approves of our efforts.
Along the way there have been countless friends and professionals loving and helping us. So many. You know who you are, and so does God, and we thank you! And of course our family… thank you all!
Johnny, our son, I sob (part sadness, hopefully more with joy) when I think about how we cuddled at night, held hands when we walked, and you told me how much you loved me – every day. You are my teacher and the most courageous and loving person that I have ever met. You filled all of our lives, everyone’s. I love you. Words cannot begin to describe this nor will I try. I will do my best to care for your Mom while you are away.
Karen, my wife, everything Johnny was is because of you. Literally “24/7” you were there, no matter what. Simple as sleeping together or as serious as months in the hospital – you were ALWAYS there. After Johnny graduated high school the two of you became best buds, traveling and shopping. Clearly he was your life as well. I pray that you can remain strong now. You and Johnny were alike in so many ways and I need you. I will do my best to try to fill his shoes while he is away and am looking forward to the day when we are all together again.
Friends, everyone who knew Johnny and Karen is nodding their head in approval right now. I know it. So many. Please forgive me at this difficult time for not mentioning your names. We know too that Johnny’s transition is very hard for you as well. We hope that you will long remember him, and his lessons, and feel a reassuring sense of accomplishment and gratitude for what you have provided this beautiful young man.
God, we know that you have provided us with the blessing of Johnny. You have carried us all through many journeys together with him. Some were very difficult, countless were amazingly wonderful. He has taught and positively affected us all as you intended and we are thankful. Please, I pray for all of us, please give us the strength, courage, and faith to accept Johnny’s new journey and keep his blessing in our hearts.
John Plant
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
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