04 July 2018

+ James Maupin Weedon (31 December 1951 to 3 July 2018)


Yesterday my brother died. Words fail me as I try to describe this man. The quintessential free spirit. He introduced me to all manner of naughtiness. He taught me to love Johnny Cash and the Eagles. He had a heart of gold, the kind of person that quite literally would give you the shirt off his back without even thinking about it. The kind of person who would play with a brother nine years younger and never even hint at the fact that he wasn't having the time of his life! I remember the time he thought to fill my pool up with Mr. Clean and we took a bubble bath outside; or him hammering into my head: "Never forget, Billy, anything you can do, I can do better. Repeat it." And I would and I believed it! His "Afternoon!" And "Howdeedo!" Were legendary with my kids. They all loved Uncle Maupin. In fact, all the kids did. He was like Uncle Jimmy Mastin in the next generation. I remember him deciding he'd had enough with stuffing ads into the papers he was delivering, so he decided to burn them. Right across from Glenmont Elementary one morning. And how he showed me that he was like a god by passing his hand through the flame. Yup, he was a god. I was in awe. And when he left for Vietnam, I remember being so sad. But the sadness faded into joy when he finally came home. He and Nancy and little Jimmy. And then Jeremy (leave the eletric cord alone, little one!) and finally Jessica. Maup and Crackers riding in his truck—he always seemed to have a vehicle on the edge of breaking down, but he kept them going. Maup and I working at Joe's warehouse. Two summers I got to work with both of these brothers, and only rarely did I get sent out with Maup to deliver paper, but that was always the best of days when I did. Because I could talk to him like I could talk to no one else. He never judged. He'd just laugh and give some off-color advice and I'd be laughing right along with him. I am so blessed that 10 days before he died I got to preside at his daughter's wedding and see him give away his daughter in marriage and dance with her. I'm going to miss him big time. We walked together over to the cemetery and visited our mom and dad's graves and also our brother Joe's. He showed me the memory garden, "so you can just sit and think...and remember." I'll use it to remember you, Maupin. To paraphrase my favorite children's book: "I'll love you forever; I'll like you for always; as long as I'm living my brother you'll be."

When I was born, I almost died with an intestinal blockage. Our neighbor across the way took Maupin to her church to light a candle and pray for me. Today I lit a candle and prayed for him: Rest eternal, grant your servant Maupin, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him!


16 comments:

Fr. Gregory Hogg said...

I'm stunned. Wasn't he just at a wedding with you a week or so ago? Memory eternal!

William Weedon said...

He was indeed, Robb. I am so thankful we had that last time together.

Jamie Bosma said...

So very sorry for you, Will! The peace of Christ be with you as you grieve your loss.

Faith Kornacki said...

Oh, my friend. Christ is risen, indeed! Alas, we are still here, living on. May God grant you peace.

PrDLH said...

May you and your family feel the peace of God that surpasses all human understanding with the knowledge one day in the Church Triumphant you will be together again!
May your travel be safe as well!
Prayers ascend!

Nancy said...

I am so sorry to read about the death of your brother. May God give all of you peace during this difficult time.

Cheryl said...

My deepest sympathy and empathy. I have lost two brothers. Death is terrible always, but there is something unique about the death of a sibling. It hits particularly close. Peace be with you, Pastor.

William Weedon said...

Thanks, folks, for the kind words and prayers. They mean a lot. Cheryl, Maup is the second brother I’ve lost too. Joe died back in 1985. I am still very blessed to have my oldest brother, Butch, and my only sister, Marie (Sissy), still with us. Today is actually Butch’s birthday; he just turned 73.

Phillip said...

Kyrie eleison. Vietnam. Dancing with his daughter. Visiting your parents' graves. Such poignant moments. And such love for your brother. Death brings out the memories, doesn't it? Perhaps not always the best, but the most definitive. You were clearly blessed by him. May all whose lives he touched be comforted in their mourning. Prayers ascend for you and your family this day, my friend.

Unknown said...

My condolences to you and your family, Fr. Weedon.

Chris

Unknown said...

A beautiful tribute to your brother. How wonderful you were recently together! Prayers for you and your family upon the loss of a dear brother.

Lauri Cunningham

CyberSis said...

May Our Lord, who calls our loved ones home, surround you with His peace.
"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people." - Psalm 125:2

Anonymous said...

Dear Will, your last time with your brother is yet to come. ”For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.”
Nevertheless, "now we have sorrow." My sincere condolences.
Peace and Joy!
George

Unknown said...

I never knew your brother, Will, but your words speak of your love for him. Know that he is with the Father of us all and be comforted by that knowledge.

Pastor Harvey S. Mozolak said...

Will, thank you for introducing your brother. May your grief be blessed with Christ's presence, assurance, peace and hope.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute, Pastor. I am so glad you had some quality time with your brother recently.

I owe you a note -- rest assured you will get one soon. Again, I'll be sending up prayers for you and your family as you grieve for your brother.

Blessings,
Brenda Higley