Jack Strickland is a retired AP writer who is active in the war against cancer. He, himself, is a survivor.
As a reporter he covered many of the major stories in Florida.
He lives in Gainesville where he is an advocate for cancer patients of all ages. Jack finds special joy in getting
sports stars and teams involved in the care young cancer victims. He claims that the athletes benefit from the involvement
as much as the patients. He says he managed to miss many tackles as a football player long ago, and learned that defeat can be
temporary and serve as the foundation for success.
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• They left hospital for the last time, in a red sports car - A sweet romantic interlude, a Corvette, and the battle against cancer are described by columnist Jack Strickland who watches a couple leave Shands Hospital. ...
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Cancer victim’s courage inspires special sunset ceremony on Florida beach
September 06, 2011Gainesville
Alice Faye Pimental fought a courageous battle against cancer. For years she inspired her family and friends with her daunting devotion and positive attitude. She had a special talent for inspiring those around her. She always found a silver lining in the storms she endured. She loved the beach. Her favorite time on the beach was sunset.
Alice died on November 18, 2010. Her ashes were mingled with those of her husband and released into the sea breezes at sunset on the beach at Anna Maria Island.
Family and friends find a special closeness with her on that beach. There, they keenly feel the warmth of her love and can almost hear her words of wisdom as her voice seems to echo in the winds blowing off the waters of the Gulf. Especially at sunset.
Alice’s daughter, Jolynne, decided to renew her wedding vows with Lou, her husband of more than two decades. The Beach at sunset on Anna Maria Island was the chosen location for the ceremony. There, last weekend, friends and family gathered in honor of Alice Faye for the special occasion.
I was invited to walk the bride to the alter. The following is my open letter to Alice commemorating the occasion:
____
Dear Alice Faye:
I gave away your little girl on the beach at sunset last weekend. You inspired the event. Your presence was felt in the beautiful island surroundings. The ceremony was beautiful. It was a dream come true wedding. Jolynne and Lou reaffirmed their wedding vows in the presence of their minister, family, and friends—and, your ever present spirit was with us there on the beach at sunset.
We miss you. Those of us who love you always feel a special closeness with you at sunset there on the beach you dearly loved. Life goes on around here. There have been lots of changes since you left us last fall. As we grow you continue to be a part of our lives and inspire all of us. Because of you, we bring out the best in each other.
You left so much of yourself with us. Your wit and wisdom is frequently quoted. You continue to be a role model that motivates all of us to always strive to be our very best. You serve as a benchmark by which we measure our successes in each days contributions to the world. Our world is a better place because you were here. Perhaps your greatest legacy is your beautiful grandchildren.
Jeff and Josh are the dynamic duo. It is good to have Jeff back home after he served with distinction in the army. He is settling into life as a great father, husband, and family man. He takes good care of his lovely wife and your beautiful great-grandsons.
Josh is a second grade lady killer who entertains everyone with his smiles, laughter and endless energy. It is hard to believe he is so smart and full of energy at only eight years old. You would be so proud of all of your boys and what they are becoming!
Your granddaughters grow more like you every day. When they are together is almost seems that you are still here with us. Jen is a beautiful mother, professional person and dedicated wife. She is the leader of the pack. Her little girl is a chip off the old block. I can’t decide if Emma is more like you, Jolynne, or Jen. All of you are so much alike.
Alison is the princess of her senior class. She fills in beautifully as a surrogate Mom when Jolynne has her hands full. Her guide is her “Granny” as she remembers how you handled things and tries to follow in your footsteps.
Mikayla sometimes seems to be the head of the family at only eight years old. She has fond memories of you and talks about you often. You are her role model. All of your girls try to be just like you.
You would be so proud of all of them. As the kids grow and develop I have to change my terminology. I can no longer distinguish between you and Alison as “Big Ali” and the “Lil’ Ali-Cat”—she is a beautiful woman now, too. She is like a carbon copy of you. She will always be our little girl, but she is also Big Ali now. I have to designate you as Alice Faye in conversations to distinguish between you and your spitting image.
We miss you. Your smile, your laughter, your wisdom, and your loving ways can never be replaced. But, you didn’t really leave us. We feel your presence in everything we do. Your legacy reminds us that you are always close by—especially at sunset on the beach.
As I walked your “little girl” to the alter at the ceremony on the beach last weekend, I joked that I might refuse to give the bride away. I was reminded that “Mama” is close by and watching. I behaved myself and followed protocol. As always, you were our guiding light.
Thanks for all you continue to do to brighten our lives and make this world a better place. Save a special place in Heaven for us. We’ll be coming on soon.