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New Zealand!
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A tale of romance & adventure
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| Home | South Korea | Hawaii | Cruising the Mediterranean | More Photos | New Zealand! | Guestbook | |
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This page is dedicated
in loving memory of Anthony Charles Jowers, better known as Dad to Karen, Melanie, Sean and Reece
In June 2008, we learned Karen’s dad Tony was diagnosed with cancer. After the briefest discussions, we both decided Karen should go home to be with her dad, so on July 16, 2008 Karen boarded a plane to fly off to New Zealand while Jon boarded another to fly back to work in Kazakhstan. We'd continue to meet in New Zealand from that time on.
Sadly, Tony's cancer proved terminal and he passed away quitely on December 19, 2008 surrounded by his family while listening to one of his favorite musicians, John Denver.
Even now, it's hard to write about Tony passing without getting all welled up with tears. Life is strange, and sometimes seems unfair, taking those soonest we cherish the most. Something we should all remember, to live and love each moment, as the one you love most might be gone before you know it.
Speaking as Karen's husband, Tony was the most wonderful man I'd ever met; completely unselfish in every regard, a natural comedian, a free spirited adventurer and a successful entrepreneur. He lived his life at full speed, even until the end. He was completely dedicated to his family and gave me the greatest gift a man can give, his wonderful daughter!
While his passing was a family tragedy, his illness was the catalyst for fulfilling a lifelong dream of Jon's; to live in New Zealand and bring Karen back home. If there is any positive twist to place on his passing, this may be it.
On April 2, 2009 we bought a fabulous character home in Christchurch and returned only briefly to Michigan in July 2009 to arrange moving our household belongings.
We've never looked back and have Tony to thank for getting us here.
We'll continue building on the New Zealand pages of our site, adding photo's and updates as time permits. God bless you Tony, you're still right here, in our hearts!
Dance With My Father
Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence, my father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then spin me around ‘til I fell asleep. Then up the stairs he would carry me and I knew for sure I was loved! If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him I’d play a song that would never, ever end! How I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again! When I and my mother would disagree to get my way, I would run from her to him, He’d make me laugh just to comfort me, then finally make me do just what my mama said. Later that night when I was asleep, he left a dollar under my sheet, never dreamed that he would be gone from me! If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him, I’d play a song that would never, ever end!!! ‘Cause I’d love, love, love to dance with my father again! Sometimes I’d listen outside her door and I’d hear how my mother cried for him, I pray for her even more than me, I pray for her even more than me! I know I’m praying
for much too much, but could you send back the only man she loved? I know you don’t do it usually, but dear Lord she’s
dying Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream!!!
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