Our hero - Captain Jeff Kuss
RIP Jeff
I had almost finished the blog on Thursday afternoon - before we heard the devastating news - I cannot explain the horrible shudder that went thru me when Philip called Mark and said a Blue Angel jet had crashed. And then the text that Ryan was ok.....but someone had died and after seeing the Diamond formation flying across the black smoky crash site, we realized it was Jeff.
I have cried sooo much these past few days - thankful that Ryan is with us but in disbelief that his "brother" and "partner in the sky" is gone. My heart aches so much for his wife, Christina, 2 small children and his parents, Janet and Michael., plus his Blue Angel family...
The sadness is overwhelming!!!
We arrived in Pensacola this Saturday morning at 8:30 and now settled on the boat - Philip and Mark are off to get groceries at Publix and then we plan to anchor out and spend the night. It is so good to be together with our boys for comfort, support, quiet time, chat, whatever....
So, I will post the rest of this blog from last Thursday.....and leave it as I originally wrote it
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN
I had almost finished the blog on Thursday afternoon - before we heard the devastating news - I cannot explain the horrible shudder that went thru me when Philip called Mark and said a Blue Angel jet had crashed. And then the text that Ryan was ok.....but someone had died and after seeing the Diamond formation flying across the black smoky crash site, we realized it was Jeff.
I have cried sooo much these past few days - thankful that Ryan is with us but in disbelief that his "brother" and "partner in the sky" is gone. My heart aches so much for his wife, Christina, 2 small children and his parents, Janet and Michael., plus his Blue Angel family...
The sadness is overwhelming!!!
We arrived in Pensacola this Saturday morning at 8:30 and now settled on the boat - Philip and Mark are off to get groceries at Publix and then we plan to anchor out and spend the night. It is so good to be together with our boys for comfort, support, quiet time, chat, whatever....
So, I will post the rest of this blog from last Thursday.....and leave it as I originally wrote it
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN
Wishing Ryan a fun day on his 31st birthday and a great year ahead as he flies with the Blue Angels and then onto the next chapter......so proud of you!!!
Ryan and the Blues are off to the Great Tennessee Air Show in Smyrna, TN for shows this weekend.
Everyone up and going.......Brady was out the door at 7:40; Nan and Joe (cleaning crew) arrived at 8. Grandpa and the D's left at 8:15 (Cracker Barrel for breakfast) and I took Blair to school at 8:45.
Princess Blair wearing her Peppa the Pig shirt
Drew and Grandpa wiped off polish on Daisy; Grandpa helped Brady's class at the Conover pool - swim party/cookout. Drew took Jinx to PetSmart for some good grooming. Davis and I went to Target - he had some graduation $ burning a hole in his pocket!
The new purchases - more legos and big nerf water gun
Splish Splash
Brady and his fabulous art collection throughout the school year - very impressive! Bob and Judy arrived just before we heard the tragic news from Tennessee
Luke munching on his favorite - good ole sweet corn
New parts came for the truck bed cover, so Mark and Drew worked on that!
Brady and Grandma were playing "Swaddle the Baby"
Friday - Neither Mark nor I could sleep last night - we were so grateful to hear Ryan's voice as he called us and his siblings, but we want to "see" him and "hold" him.....so made a plan to leave for Pensacola. Michael and Brooke were not due to arrive till late afternoon from San Diego. We got our things packed up, and Bob and Judy came to the rescue to stay with the grandkids - BIG thanks!
We left around 2:45 and last night stayed in Opelika, AL last night.
Sharing this photo that my friend, Allie took of Ryan and Jeff (buddies 5 and 6 - our solos)
signing autographs at Key West in March.
1 comment:
Peace of the Lord be with all during this tragic time. With his help all will heal by finding faith in the Lord and all the memories of a hero gone too too soon. Sending prayers for Ryan and all the Blue Angel Family. Stay strong Pat and Mark. Been thinking about you all day hoping you, Mark, Philip and Ryan are finding your strength because God will provide this in his way. Just hanging out in the quiet waters of the Gulf will help I am sure.
Been a teary day reading all these tributes for Jeff. Started with the first post of the day seeing the crowds standing in the rain with American flags honoring him on his way to the airport for his final flight home. That was a heart breaker, but so proud that people do still care.
Love, Judy
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