Well Friends,
It’s going to be a beautiful day in the world today because the Spirit of Jim Haggerty has moved onto the heaviside layer. That’s “cat heaven” for those who are not familiar with the term… it’s also a place in the earth’s ionosphere where radio-waves can be propogated “beyond the horizon”. This is how we have been experiencing Jim for the past couple of days – already everywhere. Truly, his Spirit had already expanded out of his body… we could feel him with us in the living room yesterday as we delighted in stories and Love of Jim with dear friends who had come to visit.
We had been with Jim all day yesterday, and Mom was there the night before. We were hesitant to leave him last night, but the circumstances were such that it just felt best to go. Our good man Jason at Tippett Home, who has attended to thousands of deaths over his years in service with Hospice, assured us that if Jim needed us there, he’d wait. And, that sometimes some of us need to be alone to let go. We left knowing that the right thing would happen, that it already had all along, that there was no need to fret or worry over any decisions, that it was, as we say, “all good”.
And so it was with PEACE & JOY that we received the call early this morning. My first thought… “Well done, Dad”. He’s on his way back to Mass General today to donate his brain… a last act of service to the health industry. We’re so proud of him.
There are many things to be said about this whole experience, but today I’ll just use one: Beautiful.
Thank you all for your Love and support over the last few weeks, today and in the months to come. People always want to know “Is there anything I can do?”… for now we just ask this: Smile when you think of Jim.
Stay tuned… we’ll be planning a memorial service and Celebration of Life!!! Of course you are ALL invited!
Bye Bye for now!
April 14, 2008 at 12:57 pm |
Oh Haggerty family, such sadness. I feel at peace that Jim is gone, that he no longer suffers. Seeing this wonderful photo of him this morning made me laugh, then weep, then laugh again. He is back on that hay bale now, laughing and entertaining us all. Our Jim really will be with us always, and he will continue to make me smile, as he always has.
My love and prayers stay with you all,
Karen
April 14, 2008 at 1:20 pm |
What wonderful experiences he must be having now, on his new journey, laughing, always laughing. I’ll always think of him laughing because I never saw him any other way. Much love to you all and thank you for sharing Jim with us during this sad time.
Rachael Kennedy, Miami
April 14, 2008 at 1:22 pm |
Dearest Nance, Bets and John,
Thank you for calling this morning….I was grateful to hear the news directly and to hear the peace in your voice Nancy. I know how fast this all has been but this last week at Tippett House has been a blessing for all I know. I am so glad you had the loving care of the hospice folks and that so many friends and family got to either come and see Jim or check in on this site. The stories and reflections of everyone have been wonderful to read. The pictures have been so great. Gritty Jim Haggerty! I loved that story! And I love that last picture….as karen said…it made us laugh and weep at the same time. All our love to Jim and to your beautiful beautiful family. Thank you for sharing this with us. Love, Ellen
April 14, 2008 at 2:15 pm |
Oh dear ones,
Falling asleep last night , I keep hearing over and over. “Sweet Journey , Jim., Sweet Jouirney”
And then this morning , your wonderful voice , Nancy, was on my machine . Thank you ,darling , for thinking to call me.
If love is the greatest gift—, which it is,—then Jim’s life was a gift of love which we shall celebrate joyfully at his memorial…and always.
Betsy dear I am smiling as you ask..though tears are flowing…not for Jim who has left on his sweet journey but for Nancy , John and you whom he cherished ..and also the hundreds and hundreds of people whose lives he blessed with his giant beautiful sunflower self.
All my love always, Bonnie
April 14, 2008 at 2:25 pm |
Aunt Nancy,John and Besty We are so sorry to hear about uncle Jims passing. We will always remember what a great guy he was. He will be sadlly missed but never forgotten. Thanks for keeping me updated. And sharing these great photos. Please keep in touch. Love Mickey and Cindy
April 14, 2008 at 3:27 pm |
Nancy, John & Betsy,
I read the news on this beautiful site this morning when I arrived at work … and I have never read such a wonderfully written piece. I sit here now smiling at the many wonderful memories of Jim, and tears are bluring my vision as I type this. Thank you for having this site available to all of us, it has helped to know the journey you have all taken, along with the rest of us who have loved Jim from the moment we met him. I cherish the many wonderful memories I have of Jim, I will miss his phone calls and his visits to the office when he was in the Chicago area.
Thank you for sharing Jim with us. He loved you all so! You are all in my thoughts and prayers, always.
Dana
April 14, 2008 at 3:41 pm |
Dearest Nancy, Betsy and John:
I just received your e-mail, and although we knew this was going to happen, I had to sit and say some prayers for all of you and for my dear friend Jim. Please know that Donna’s and my arms are around you, and that are prayers are and wil be with you.
You all have touched our lives in so many wonderful and thoughtful ways. My time with Jim was very special, as he was a consumate teacher and a loving friend.
I remember Dartmouth football games, the wonderful huge apple pies at Lou’s, and just the joy of being in each other’s company!
Jim has been remembered at St. Stpehens’ Episcopal Church, and we have prayed for the repose of his soul, and thanksgiving for his friendship.
If there is anything no matter how small that we can do to help you, please call.
We love you.
Clark and Donna
April 14, 2008 at 3:50 pm |
Good morning Nancy, Betsy and John,
In the blink of an eye he is gone.. at least it seems like that to me..Since all of this has happened it makes me stop and think how much I take for granted..I read and reread all the wonderful thoughts everyone has about Jim and how much he contributed with a smile or gesture or kind word..His sense of humor was the best..you knew you were going to laugh when he was present..and just the thought of him. sweet, humble, loveable..dear dear Jim….you will be missed..and for those who have been patiently waiting for him this must be a very exciting day..and so he continues in another place..with this thought in mind I can smile..
hugs Sweet Nancy and children..and thank you Betsy for the loving hours you have given all of us..
Love, Carol
April 14, 2008 at 4:22 pm |
Dear Aunt Nancy, John and Betsy,
We are all so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing. He will truly be missed.
I found this Irish Toast and it reminded me of him. I think he’d like it!
Come drink and be merry, turning grief to good cheer.
Till we stand with him, again drawing him near.
Here’s health to his family and one to his lass.
We hold up a pint and all share from one glass.
Let us drink and be merry, turning grief to delight.
Till that day when we see him and again
Hold him tight.
Here’s health to his lass
that he adored without a doubt.
Their love and their bond he could not live without.
Never failing his friends, always there to give aid.
Always leading his family as he knelt and he prayed.
His ship lies in harbor, waiting to sail.
I pray for smooth seas and soft winds to prevail.
When we leave here to meet him, whether by land or by sea,
I will never forget his affection for me.
With love,
Peggy Anne
April 14, 2008 at 4:49 pm |
Dear Haggertys,
I am so sorry for the sadness you must be feeling, and so glad that your wonderful father’s passing went just as you hoped — beautifully, full of love and celebration and friendship, and without too much difficulty for him. I was thinking about him this morning, and this old quotation of william penn crossed my mind. After reading all the entries on this blog, I think his life represents a modern day example of this ideal…..
“I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now… as I shall not pass this way again.” ~ William Penn
Love to all of you, you and Jim are in our hearts and prayers,
Amanda Mueller
April 14, 2008 at 6:42 pm |
I think my greatest regret is that I did not get to know Jim better.
My wife Nina and I know Nancy, and on several occasions we had the opportunity to socialize with both Nancy and Jim. I remember coming away from each experience remembering how much I enjoyed talking with him, how interesting, smart, and aware he was.
The last extended time we had was two years ago, when we visited Nancy and Jim at Beacon Hill and they prepared a delicious luncheon spread.
Then Jim showed us his rooftop garden. Watered by slow drip hoses on a timer. I have never seen such flowers. I also remember thinking that something like this could only be done by a talented and highly creative individual, someone who appreciates beauty on many levels. I don’t know many men who undertake such a project (actually, I can’t think of anyone else).
Our thoughts are with Nancy, Betsy and the Haggerty family. We hope that it provides solace to know that even with our limited contact, Jim touched our lives and will be remembered. I am sure that is true for many, many others.
April 14, 2008 at 6:43 pm |
Dear Haggerty Family,
I’m a little bit outside of the vast ” Haggerty community”, but I’ve certainly spent time and worked w/ Jim over the years in the Healthcare Industry….but it was my 1st day @ American Hospital Supply in late 1970 when Jim came bouncing in to my life.
I was assigned to G.O., until a territory opened up, and Jim extended himself to the rookie/understudy the very first morning. I couldn’t quite figure out who all these guys were, that were running around…Briner, Gilleland, Laing, even Vonderahe was flopping around; but Jim Haggerty took some time to “paint the landscape ” and give some advice and direction, he always had time, made time!
As he signed up to help myself, Nelson, Gatewood, Hamilton, and others over the years, he always brought insight, respect and the “ever present nudge” for us to expand our thinking and ask the tough questions.
Jim was an inspiration, providing the glue to many a situation, and often the light…when it seemed the answers were not to be found!
May God Bless and comfort the Haggerty Family, and all of those who Jim touched; our lives are so much richer because of Jim Haggerty.
Jack
April 14, 2008 at 7:58 pm |
Dear Nancy, Betsey and John,
There is a bird singing and there is a gentle breeze. The sky is blue and there are whitecaps on the Gulf. Jim is not gone he is everywhere.
We were so sorry our time was cut short.
My favorite Pablo Neruda verse says” do not cry for me, if you do I will die again”.
We will not cry….we will remember and be grateful for the best moments.
Love, Marilyn and Paul
April 14, 2008 at 8:40 pm |
Beautiful indeed.
Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with us.
Now I know why the sun arrived in Chicago — thank you Jim.
In love, and sympathy, Julie Hooper
April 14, 2008 at 9:37 pm |
It is one of the brightest, most beautiful days of the year…the light is special and now I know why…good journey, Jim….how does it feel to have wings and fly, fly, fly so high? love and warmest thoughts to all the Haggertys, ‘specially you, Nancy. xo
April 14, 2008 at 10:41 pm |
Oh Bets….
I can’t imagine how much you must be missing him already. What a lucky man to have so much love and laughter in his life. Take good care of each other. We are here for you in Cali whenever you need anything.
Much, much love,
Betsy & Jim
April 15, 2008 at 1:10 am |
Nancy, John and Betsy – we are so very sorry. Jim was and is a very special man. His smile, warmth and grizzly bear hug are only a few things that made him … Jim.
Love and lots of prayers from us.
Bill and Patti Christopher
.
April 15, 2008 at 3:30 am |
Thinking of Jim Tonight:
Jim pulling fruit from his ear for his mystified seven year old niece
Jim dispensing advice about the ways of health care to same, now consultant niece, twenty years later
Jim and Nancy take Tom and I to the real (no the real!) Little Italy of Chicago, a small block on the South Side, because we had to try the Chicken Vesuvio, because you haven’t tried it until you’ve eaten it here
Jim dispatching me to sign and send cheesy valentine’s cards from random airports for Jack O’Neill
Jim holding court at whatever family dinner we were having….no bluster, just good listening, good questions and good advice
Jim fixing and bringing down a full lot of sandwiches and beers for the beach – and a good swim in that salt water
Jim’s most amazing, most extraordinary toes
Jim and Nancy’s “Sunday drives” across both Massachusetts and Connecticut to make Nina and Henry laugh and plant tulips and wildflowers in our backyard
Jim playing “Alfonso” to Nancy’s “Cutie” with the kids in the Cadillac, their “home”, for two hour stretches
Jim and Nancy snag a shiny red full scale drum set with cymbals from a fancy Beacon Hill trash pile (only these two could get away with such a gift to a four year boy…)
Jim’s red, green, dotted, striped, blue always bow ties. And more bow ties. And more bow ties.
Here’s to our most extraordinary Jim Haggerty.
April 15, 2008 at 3:53 am |
Sending you 3 our love and hugs, fondest memories of a wonderful Man, Father,friend and Human being. All of us so blessed to have known Jim and experience his humor, smile, love and amazing stories of life. I know he will be SO missed and treasured forever,
May he soar with you always…….
love,
Michele, Andy, Coco, Benjie & Quincy
April 15, 2008 at 12:12 pm |
Dear Haggertys,
Ellen McPherson sent the news of Jim’s death on to me and I’ve had the priviledge of getting to know him and you all through this blog. My prayers are with you. Our days at Rosemont were filled with love and laughter and I can tell that those qualities filled your lives as well. Know that I am thinking of you and I know he’s watching over you. Kathy
April 15, 2008 at 1:47 pm |
Nancy, Betsy,& John: We spent the week-end in Libertyville attending a weddding, and thought of Jim often as we drove around the area we all had enjoyed so much in the 60′s and 70′s. What wonderful memories! And during Jim’s last week-end on earth.
Thank you for the beautiful account of Jim’s last weeks. He’s gone much too young, but his memory will be everlasting as will his place with God.
Our love forever, Rita & Don
April 15, 2008 at 3:55 pm |
Nancy,Betsy and John
I can still remember our first dinner together with you both when Jim walked in with the kitchen swinging door in his hands. Thank God for all those memories. What a guy. Like you,we will never forget him.I’m so glad we got to know him so well. When we all arrived in Chicago unannounced with all those suitcases,Jim smiled, hugged us and said “come on in”.We couldn’t get to him.
KEEP IN TOUCH.
Best to all.Love from all the Leddys
April 15, 2008 at 3:55 pm |
Nancy, John, and Betsy
After reading all the things that have been written over the past days it is obvious you are very special people. May you take strength from all the things that Jim was and still is. My thoughts and prayers are with you now.
daryl
April 15, 2008 at 4:39 pm |
John and family,
My memories of your father are distant, yet I remember him as a kind and caring man. The thoughts and prayers from my family are with you.
April 15, 2008 at 5:07 pm |
I am so sorry for your loss. My parents, Joe and Mary Jo, always had only the very best things to say about Jim. It is evident that he leaves behind a wonderful legacy of laughter and love. The image of him riding that hay bale on this post will always make us smile… I’ll bet that makes Jim very happy!
Love to all,
Terry
April 16, 2008 at 12:44 am |
Hello Nancy,
Jim and I worked together in Miami. He was my most favorite person on the management team. He was demanding but fair and I truly loved working with him. We had loads of fun working together and it didn’t seem like work. He was such a special person and I am grateful that I was touched by him!
God Bless you and your family always!
April 16, 2008 at 1:28 am |
Oh my goodness. I’m sitting here weeping, and yet I know that it is best that Jim has moved on, manifesting elsewhere and everywhere. Maybe, selfishly, I wish I could have seen him as I knew him, as “Mr. Haggerty” – who used to go the discount place to get the cheap Sara Lee cheese danishes because they had extra cheese! Or how he loved to tell jokes – like the one about the loud-mouth frog … Sounds silly, huh? Please know that I love you guys, though it, sadly, has been years since I’ve seen you – probably last in Colorado! You were my second family growing up, and I admired Jim so much – as a father, as a well-rounded, integrated, loving human being. I will always be grateful for that.
I just want to share a poem with you that comforted me many times after my mother passes away. Maybe you’ve heard it before. It’s by one of my favorite authors, Anonymous:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave
and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
All my love,
Judy
April 16, 2008 at 12:02 pm |
WOW again..I’m numb…Betsy, you have a wonderfull gift of expression. Thank you for your updates. The good Lord must have needed a really GOOD man, to call Jim so quickly.Our prayers are with all of you and for you. Love to you…Dave and Madelaine
April 16, 2008 at 2:21 pm |
For Jim,
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My deepest prayers are with the Haggerty family on the loss of this beautiful man.
April 16, 2008 at 2:53 pm |
Dear Haggerty family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked right outside Jim’s office and we always used to joke around about his wardrobe choices (mostly his ties), and generally about everything. Jim was one of the kindest, warmest, friendliest people I have ever met. He immediately makes you feel like part of the family. Jim reminded me of my grandfather in a lot of ways, they both had that great Irish smile that lit up the whole room and eyes that twinkled when they laughed. I looked forward to seeing his smiling face everyday and he was always smiling or laughing. I will miss him dearly, but everytime I see a bow tie I will think of him and what a wonderful person he was.
April 16, 2008 at 5:28 pm |
Dear Nancy, Betsy & John,
As evidenced by your most wonderful and loving website and all the many warm and loving comments, Jim was truly one of a kind, I am so thankful to have known him. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies, my thoughts are with you all.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” From a headstone in Ireland
Claudia Masterson
April 18, 2008 at 10:57 am |
Dear Betsy-
I just got a quick word from Betty last night with the news of your Dad’s passing and this morning Seana passed me the link to the blog that Tim had given her when she was visiting out there. It is uncanny how very similar our expereinces have been….reading your blog was like reading the emails I sent out about our Dad. We thought we had had a whirlwind experience with 7 weeks from diagnosis to death, and yours sounds even more expedeint…a blessing reallly. It sounds like the last days were so beautiful and full of love, and how lucky for you all!!! Seana and I have often thought about the fact that despite the agony of certian aspects, we would take what we had over a heart-attack any day.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much you are in my thoughts and really look forward to the time we can catch up and share our expereinces…I know Seana would love to see you as well. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Though I never met your Dad I will smile when I think of him..he looked like a truly radiant being. More and more I smile when I think of our Dad…and every now and then there are still some tears. The whole experience has taught me so much and has been a gift in so many ways, as I am sure you are discovering.
So much love to you Betsy…and your family.
Saya
April 19, 2008 at 11:15 pm |
The following makes me feel that Jim is in a happy place.
My prayers have all been answered,
I’ve finally arrived,
the healing that has been delayed,
has now been realized.
No one’s in a hurry,
no more schedules to keep,
I’m enjoying Jesus, just sitting at His feet.
f you could see me now,
I’m walking streets of gold.
If you could see me now,
I’m standing tall and whole.
If you could see me now,
you’d know I’ve seen Him face to face;
if you could only see me now.
Though I’ve had my sorrows,
they never can compare
what Jesus has in store for me,
no language can ever share.
You would not want me
to leave this perfect place,
if you could only see me now.
Love,
Carol