Dr. John Kendrick

Hello everyone,

I wanted to let you know here that my grandfather, John Kendrick, was admitted to the intensive care unit of Arlington hospital on Tuesday night. Although he's suffering from chronic heart failure, our family remains hopeful for the best.

He's still in high spirits, singing 'i love you truly' and 'you are my sunshine' with my grandmother even through his oxygen mask. He's flirting with the nurses and telling me his favorite French jokes.

That being said, he truly is in critical condition, so any thoughts and prayers you have to offer are greatly appreciated...

Also, I realize Rev McGee is on sabbatical, but if anyone knows a way to directly reach him, I know my grandmother would love to hear from him more than anything in the world at this time.

With love,

Alicia Kenworthy
(703)-887-2820

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Permalink Reply by Rev. Mary McKinnon Ganz on November 14, 2009 at 8:01pm

Alicia, you, John and Maxine are in my heart. I can so easily imagine John singing with Maxine through his oxygen mask. He and your grandmother truly have a love together that goes on, no matter what.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Willett on November 15, 2009 at 12:53pm

Thanks for letting us know about this challenge, Alicia. Many of us have John and you in our thoughts, and we shared this news among others this morning during services at UUCA. I will see that word gets to Michael.

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Permalink Reply by Sharon G. Williams on November 16, 2009 at 4:04pm

My thoughts are with you Alicia and your family! I am a friend of your Aunt Bonnie's.

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Permalink Reply by Alicia Maxine Kenworthy on November 16, 2009 at 4:07pm

Thank you all so much for your love and concern. Rev. Mary, my grandfather mentions you often, he loves your sermons! We'll have to read some to him to make up for missing church.

Ron, thank you for sharing the news. Rev. McGee surprised us with a visit yesterday, my grandfather was happy to see him and my grandmother was overjoyed to get her hug and kiss. It meant a lot.

Sharon, I'll be sure to tell my aunt Bonnie that you're sending your thoughts our way. She's been staying overnight with my grandfather for a week now.

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Permalink Reply by UUCAVA on November 16, 2009 at 10:15pm

I can make a cd or dvd of the audio from any sermon since Jan. 2009 if you'd like to play them for your grandfather at the hospital. Please let me know. June

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Permalink Reply by Alicia Maxine Kenworthy on November 17, 2009 at 6:49am

Thank you all again for your love and concern.

I just got off the phone with my grandmother.... my grandfather died this morning around 6:30 AM. He died peacefully. My grandmother had spent the night and was with him, and recited their 50th anniversary poem when it happened.

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Permalink Reply by UUCAVA on November 17, 2009 at 7:13am

Holding you and your grandmother and the rest of your family in my heart, Alicia. -- June Herold

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Permalink Reply by Rev. Mary McKinnon Ganz on November 17, 2009 at 8:32am

Alicia, we will miss him very much. Sundays will not quite be the same without John in the front row. Sending so much love to you, your grandmother, and your entire family.

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Permalink Reply by Rev. Linda Olson Peebles on November 17, 2009 at 6:51pm

My love to Maxine and all your family. I am so happy that I was able to be with John and Maxine, and some of their very good friends at Goodwin House, Nov 7. During our conversation, John told us all the lovely story of how he and Maxine met and fell in love. What a wonderful memory.

Rev. Linda OP

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Permalink Reply by Alicia Maxine Kenworthy on November 17, 2009 at 7:25pm

Thank you, June, Rev. Mary and Rev. Linda

Rev. Linda, I'm so happy you got to see him on Nov. 7th. He loved your sermons, as well, and frequently mentioned both you and Rev. Mary in the hospital. The Unitarian Church was such a pillar in his life, and, as you certainly know, he and my grandmother met and were married at All Souls!

It is so hard to think about Sundays now without Granddaddy in the front row. He loved sitting there - no matter what. He frequently interrupted services that were 15 min. underway just to shamelessly walk in front of everyone and sit down at his favorite seat! I was always slightly embarrassed to have to follow, but cherish those memories more than anything.