Over the Easter weekend, his family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of James Gaston, who passed away last summer. I learned a lot about family, community and hospitality.
What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Deece. I can only hope that when my time here is finished, someone writes about me with such love, respect, and kindness. I've missed your writing for the past few weeks. It's good to see it in my inbox again. Take care, whether your wanderings take you to Marathon or Austin. I do know this: I would love to meet you in person one day. Your words have certainly gained my undying respect.
I do not recall how I stumbled onto your blog, but it is always entertaining and thought-provoking. This piece got my attention as soon as you mentioned Dead Horse Mountain, as my good friend John Heal had just returned from Marathon over Easter weekend for a friend's memorial. Since we love the Trans Pecos region and Marathon in particular, I was intrigued. We just returned from 4 nights at The Wilson House at The Gage and John and I exchanged our experiences. We were also there to support The French Co. Grocer and their fund raising. Needless to say, this piece and then your tribute to James Gaston filled in the story for me and now I understand why John travelled to Marathon to join in the memorial with you and others. Thank you for these posts - Ya-ta-Hey.....
Touching remembrance. Makes me wish I had gotten the chance to meet and know James. I did get to experience the hospitality of his home, thanks to you. I think it is so appropriate that you are continuing the hospitality and inclusiveness of his, now your home. Ya-ta-Hey…hope all is well as you transition from Austin to Marathon.
Beautifully written as always. I am still pondering why James would not like that nickname as I think it is adorable and of course maybe that’s why he didn’t like it. I am so thrilled you boughtJames’ house and that is appropriate since you gave it such meaning over the years. I think it is one of the nicest bars I’ve been in. We’ve known each other for years and yet I was surprised that you were selling your house in Austin. Maybe Austin has left you in addition to you leaving Austin but you are part of its fabric. I know that’s a cliché but it’s appropriate. Hugs
Beautiful tribute, Deece! What a wonderful friendship you shared with James Gaston….and very fitting you should now carry on in his home in Marathon. I would love to become acquainted with this part of Texas. Sending only best wishes.
Thanks for that wonderful memory picture of your friend Deece. This is truly "Life after death" I'd never heard of James Gaston untill I read your articles, so far above my pay grade in life, you brought him into my heart. Now I miss him as well. I feel so sorry for his blessed mother. How painful can it be to outlive your youngest child? I'm so glad he left happy memories in all his many friends.
Wow what a beautiful back porch. I don't know what the rest of the home looks like, but who cares? We're it mine I'd never leave that bar. Ya-ta-hey Deece.
What a loving tribute and celebration of one man’s life, a perfect send off. His memory will live on in his family, friends forever, and the many he passed along his way.
How fortunate you were to have each other in your lives.❤️
Sweet Baby James! He surely was….beautiful words Deece.
What an exquisite piece of writing and remembrance. Everyone should hope to be so fondly remembered. Ya-ta-Hey, Deece.
What a beautiful tribute to your friend, Deece. I can only hope that when my time here is finished, someone writes about me with such love, respect, and kindness. I've missed your writing for the past few weeks. It's good to see it in my inbox again. Take care, whether your wanderings take you to Marathon or Austin. I do know this: I would love to meet you in person one day. Your words have certainly gained my undying respect.
John, it would be a pleasure and an honor. Let's make it happen!
I do not recall how I stumbled onto your blog, but it is always entertaining and thought-provoking. This piece got my attention as soon as you mentioned Dead Horse Mountain, as my good friend John Heal had just returned from Marathon over Easter weekend for a friend's memorial. Since we love the Trans Pecos region and Marathon in particular, I was intrigued. We just returned from 4 nights at The Wilson House at The Gage and John and I exchanged our experiences. We were also there to support The French Co. Grocer and their fund raising. Needless to say, this piece and then your tribute to James Gaston filled in the story for me and now I understand why John travelled to Marathon to join in the memorial with you and others. Thank you for these posts - Ya-ta-Hey.....
Thanks for supporting the French Co Grocer, too!
Ya-Ta-Hey!
Touching remembrance. Makes me wish I had gotten the chance to meet and know James. I did get to experience the hospitality of his home, thanks to you. I think it is so appropriate that you are continuing the hospitality and inclusiveness of his, now your home. Ya-ta-Hey…hope all is well as you transition from Austin to Marathon.
Ya-Ta-Hey Deece. You certainly are carrying forward all the goodness of James. Thank you for being YOU.
Beautifully written as always. I am still pondering why James would not like that nickname as I think it is adorable and of course maybe that’s why he didn’t like it. I am so thrilled you boughtJames’ house and that is appropriate since you gave it such meaning over the years. I think it is one of the nicest bars I’ve been in. We’ve known each other for years and yet I was surprised that you were selling your house in Austin. Maybe Austin has left you in addition to you leaving Austin but you are part of its fabric. I know that’s a cliché but it’s appropriate. Hugs
Beautiful tribute, Deece! What a wonderful friendship you shared with James Gaston….and very fitting you should now carry on in his home in Marathon. I would love to become acquainted with this part of Texas. Sending only best wishes.
Come visit, Cynthia!
Well…..I might just do that, my friend!
Thanks for that wonderful memory picture of your friend Deece. This is truly "Life after death" I'd never heard of James Gaston untill I read your articles, so far above my pay grade in life, you brought him into my heart. Now I miss him as well. I feel so sorry for his blessed mother. How painful can it be to outlive your youngest child? I'm so glad he left happy memories in all his many friends.
Wow what a beautiful back porch. I don't know what the rest of the home looks like, but who cares? We're it mine I'd never leave that bar. Ya-ta-hey Deece.
What a loving tribute and celebration of one man’s life, a perfect send off. His memory will live on in his family, friends forever, and the many he passed along his way.
How fortunate you were to have each other in your lives.❤️
Love him bigly