On March 8th, 2014, Caleb & I were hanging out in our Charlotte home with friends. It had been a glorious day. I’d run a 5K with co-workers that morning, we’d helped our friends move into their new home, enjoyed the warm weather, and stocked up on firewood to fuel our backyard fire pit. We’d just ordered some pizzas and Caleb was getting the fire going in the backyard.
That’s when the phone call came that forever changed our lives.
I remember exactly where I was sitting when Caleb came back into the house after talking with his brother. I’d hopped up on the counter tops to reach some paper plates that I {of course} couldn’t reach from the floor. Caleb stood in the back doorway looking pale and confused as he told me, “Dad and Josh were in a plane crash, and they don’t think they made it.”
After dismissing our friends and throwing clothes into our suitcases, including clothes for a funeral yet pleading with God that we wouldn’t need them, we loaded up the Subaru and headed for South Carolina. On the way, the official call came. Caleb’s father, George, and his sister’s husband, Josh, were gone.
As I write this post, I’m trying to figure out how I can possibly pay tribute to these two men who brought so much life and laughter into our family. I know I won’t do them justice and apologize to all who knew and loved them for the way my words will fall short.
George had a joy for life that was contagious. I can still hear him laughing that laugh of his and remember all the times I saw him through sleepy eyes, waking me up at 6am by putting a cup of his famous coffee concoction into my half-awake hand. He was always seeking adventure and always invited those he loved to join him in it. And amidst all the adventure he found the time to be one of the hardest working men I’ve ever known, bringing his brilliance to life in his work with custom fabricated machines and, of course, his airplanes.
If ever there was a selfless man, it was Josh. He was constantly putting others’ needs before his, not just reacting to what others needed, but seeking ways to help them. He took great joy in picking on me, but we also bonded frequently when we were the only non-Rogers at a gathering. My absolute fondest memory of Josh is when he helped me all the way down a snow ski slope in Park City, Utah despite my continuous falling & cursing, while Caleb laughed at me uncontrollably from a distance. That was Josh… he’d pick on me in the good times and show grace and patience when I was struggling.
George and Josh left me with many gifts. Some gifts are intangible but live on in the Rogers & Loflin families: the capacity to love, a vigor for life & adventure, a renewed energy for each day, a life of sacrifice, and so much more. The greatest tangible gift is my husband, Caleb, who is the man he is in part because of how his father loved him, taught him, and raised him.
And now, Josh is giving me the gift of experience & knowledge through the tree farm that he started just south of our home in Charlotte. My sister-in-law and Josh’s father have graciously offered to let Caleb and I help out on the tree farm, lined with thousands of trees that Josh breathed life into through his hard work and strong hands. I get to learn and work among these beauties whenever time allows, trimming crape myrtles and wrapping up trees to be sold.
As we spent time at the farm this past weekend, I was reminded of how little I know about the world of planting, growing, nurturing & landscaping. I know that working with Josh’s trees will play a key role in turning my little seed into something fruitful. And I know that the lives & love of George and Josh will offer growth and encouragement for my journey.
