Monday, February 7, 2011

A Tribute to the creator of Redwall

In the year 1939, on June 15th, a boy named Brian was born in Liverpool, England. This boy grew up to become a merchant seaman, a railway fireman, a longshoreman, a long-distance truck driver, a bus driver, a boxer, a bobby, a postmaster, a stand-up comic, and most prominently, an author. This man changed my life. He made me laugh, and he made me cry, and he gave me many things to love and look forward to. I did not know this man personally, though I met him once. His name was Mr. Jacques.

Mr. Jacques passed away on February 5, 2011. I cannot put in words just how much he shall be missed. I remember clearly the day I decided to read the first book. As soon as I began the first page, I couldn't put it down. It wasn't long before I had read all the books that had been published at that point, and then each year one of the most exciting times was when the next book came out. It's hard to believe that there won't be anymore Redwall books to look forward to.

I had the great privilege to meet Brian Jacques several years ago, and I will never forget how exciting it was not only to meet him and hear him talk, but also to receive a hug from this famous and kind author and have my picture taken with him.



Mr. Jacques, you made me laugh when your hare's sang songs about food, you made me weep when Rose of Noonvale died, and you made me cheer when the Abbey creatures won again and again. You will be sorely missed.


And so with deep sadness I say, Farewell, Mr. Jacques. Your mark left on this world has been beautiful and long lasting. I hope one day to meet you in the next.

2 comments:

  1. Awww Londa, I haven't read all of these books and your tribute made me choke up. That was beautiful.

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  2. Thank you muchly, dear Bekah. <3

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