He Stopped Loving Us Today

            We mourn the loss of a country song slinger whose music made us feel as if we were not alone—as if he was our friend—a friend who felt what we felt and dreamed what we dream.  He had happiness like us.  He had problems like us.  And he loved and worked hard just as we do.  In the process, he scored our lives with his music and his range and his inventive interpretations.  We loved his music before country was cool.

            George Jones accompanied us on our journey, as we had our first dates, got our first cars, found our soul mates and negotiated life’s milestones.  We mourn his passing partly because of the time we’ve spent together, and partly because of the reminder that it is, of the passage of time.  The Thief of Hearts has taken our old friend, but his song lingers on.  Today there is a wreath over all our hearts.

            Rest in Peace, Ol’ Possum.