I remember the science ‘experiment’ in high school where there was a large flat container of water.  The teacher dropped a small ‘stone’ into it and you could see the ripples move out.  Then a larger stone was dropped and bigger waves were generated. This is the science lesson

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The size of a stone thrown into water is directly related to the amplitude (height) of the waves it creates. A larger stone will generate waves with a higher amplitude (greater height) compared to a smaller stone, as the larger stone transfers more energy to the water. 

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All of us are stones tossed into the pool of life and we create ‘waves’ which in turn impact the lives of those around us.  When that stone is huge, the waves are enormous and they travel great distances and can impact literally millions.  Jerry Chicone was a dynamic, enthusiastic, (and a hundred other adjectives) massive boulder with seemly unlimited energy that plunged into the pool of life and created ‘waves’ that have impacted untold lives.  For those fortunate to have been close to this remarkable man, the wave has engulfed us with his love, concern, wisdom, (once again endless adjectives).  There are multitudes that never knew Jerry that are impacted every day with his ‘wave’.  They enjoy the Heritage Museum or one or more of the institutions he so generously supported (actually he made possible, not just supported).  They read one of the many books he brought into existence; Jerry was not a writer, but was able to entice others to work with him to share one of his many passions (citrus crate label books he co-authored for example). 

 

I could fill pages relating the ‘waves’ created by Jerry Chicone.  He was a mentor to me and many of you.  He was a man of many passions; family, friends, community, history, Gators and the list goes on.  Foremost he was a child of God that took the charge of “feed my sheep” seriously as he was all about others.  He was a citrus grower and extremely proud of that role.  His presence will be missed as he leaves a great void in the lives of us that knew him, but his ‘waves’ will continue to move across the pool of life impacting generations to come.  Jerry squeezed  great joy from life and was met by his Lord with waiting arms and a “well done my good and faithful servant”.  Now that is a life lived well! Jerry was an example to us all for he learned the secret Lewis Carroll shared in this quote “One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.”  Thanks Jerry for making waves, really BIG ones!

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