A Memorial for Steve Pybas
It’s amazing how the universe can work; sometimes leaving confusion and questions, sometimes with a synchronism that leaves you astounded.
I learned of Steve’s death from Jerry English, a friend and co-worker. I saw Jerry that morning and could instantly tell something awful had happened; little did I anticipate the news he had. There is nothing that can convey the feelings we had at that moment. Stunned is just the beginning…
Later, Jerry told of services that would be held for Steve on Friday and I told him I would be there to help salute a man we both respected and sorely missed.
In my case, the universe stepped in with an incident that threw me a curve: That Friday after work, I stopped at Safeway on my way home to pick up some milk. As I finished my shopping, a friend I hadn’t seen in a year walked in and as we chatted time just flew. After we said good by I checked out. Halfway to my truck I glanced at my watch – two hours had passed and I had missed Steve’s service. I could feel the blood drain from my face in shock and chagrin.
As I drove home, it occurred to me that I could honor Steve in my own way; a way I thought he might appreciate.
Saturday morning dawned with on overcast that quickly dissipated. When I backed my Harley out of the garage, it was a gorgeous, clear, perfect day. As I straddled my bike and started her up, I suddenly felt that this was RIGHT.
It’s amazing how the universe can work; sometimes leaving confusion and questions, sometimes with a synchronism that leaves you astounded.
I learned of Steve’s death from Jerry English, a friend and co-worker. I saw Jerry that morning and could instantly tell something awful had happened; little did I anticipate the news he had. There is nothing that can convey the feelings we had at that moment. Stunned is just the beginning…
Later, Jerry told of services that would be held for Steve on Friday and I told him I would be there to help salute a man we both respected and sorely missed.
In my case, the universe stepped in with an incident that threw me a curve: That Friday after work, I stopped at Safeway on my way home to pick up some milk. As I finished my shopping, a friend I hadn’t seen in a year walked in and as we chatted time just flew. After we said good by I checked out. Halfway to my truck I glanced at my watch – two hours had passed and I had missed Steve’s service. I could feel the blood drain from my face in shock and chagrin.
As I drove home, it occurred to me that I could honor Steve in my own way; a way I thought he might appreciate.
Saturday morning dawned with on overcast that quickly dissipated. When I backed my Harley out of the garage, it was a gorgeous, clear, perfect day. As I straddled my bike and started her up, I suddenly felt that this was RIGHT.
To celebrate the life of Steve Pybas, Chris Pybas has asked that donations be made in memory of his name in lieu of flowers.
Taking my time, I rode to the Soledad mission to pay my respects to Steve. I pulled up in front of the mission, turned off the bike and walked toward the chapel. As I did, I noticed beautiful Spanish guitar music playing on speakers nestled in the eaves near the entrance, but thought little of it at the time.
I walked into the deserted chapel and faced the figure of the La Nuestra Senora de Soledad in a raised alcove behind the altar. As I knelt at the altar, holding my helmet on the floor, I envisioned an ancient knight doing the same thing, if in different raiment, and found it a comforting feeling. I bowed my head, crossed myself and commended Steve to God. And cried.
After a while, I raised my vision to look at the Nuestra Senora’s face and though I can’t prove it, could swear her eyes briefly crinkled in kindness. I rose and sat in a pew while still staring at the Senora and thought of Steve and others I have known and have passed. Many, as Steve, had left too soon.
My thoughts were accompanied by the quiet and solitude of the chapel and the soft music playing in the background. I went to the gift shop and purchased a candle to light in Steve’s memory and set it in a candle holder in the chapel. I found a taper to use and the instant I touched to taper to the candle, the music began playing “Ave Maria”. I was dumbfounded and could only sit in my pew and listen to the entire score. I didn’t think, I didn’t grieve, I just listened. What beauty was conveyed cannot be expressed; only experienced.
As I left the mission and returned home, it occurred to me that Steve was pleased.
John Parker
Warriors Heart inc
Board Secretary
Not all Warriors are Soldiers
Steve Pybas was a son to Barbara, a husband to Chris and a father to his son, Sean, and daughter, Elizabeth.
Steve Pybas was a Warrior for America and the Constitution that makes her great. He was Proud to be an American. He didn't just "talk the talk", he Walked the Walk of an American.
Everything that he was involved in, such as the Jaycees and the FNRA, were things that made this country better.
The whole Pybas family is special to us. Since 2003 they have been involved with our efforts to support the troops. I have spent many, many hours with Chris and her mother, Leigh, and with Barbara. We have been Blessed to have them in our lives!
When forming Warriors Heart inc., and asking people to join us on the Board, Chris and Steve were at the top of the list! "Why?" someone asked me. "Why them?" I answered, " They are the perfect example of the ABOVE AVERAGE AMERICAN that we want to associate with! " We were so thrilled when Steve said "Yes!" Yes, he would help us help our troops even more then he already had before. And he did.
Not every Warrior wears a Uniform.
Cindy Stanley and Jerry English
Warriors Heart co-founders
I walked into the deserted chapel and faced the figure of the La Nuestra Senora de Soledad in a raised alcove behind the altar. As I knelt at the altar, holding my helmet on the floor, I envisioned an ancient knight doing the same thing, if in different raiment, and found it a comforting feeling. I bowed my head, crossed myself and commended Steve to God. And cried.
After a while, I raised my vision to look at the Nuestra Senora’s face and though I can’t prove it, could swear her eyes briefly crinkled in kindness. I rose and sat in a pew while still staring at the Senora and thought of Steve and others I have known and have passed. Many, as Steve, had left too soon.
My thoughts were accompanied by the quiet and solitude of the chapel and the soft music playing in the background. I went to the gift shop and purchased a candle to light in Steve’s memory and set it in a candle holder in the chapel. I found a taper to use and the instant I touched to taper to the candle, the music began playing “Ave Maria”. I was dumbfounded and could only sit in my pew and listen to the entire score. I didn’t think, I didn’t grieve, I just listened. What beauty was conveyed cannot be expressed; only experienced.
As I left the mission and returned home, it occurred to me that Steve was pleased.
John Parker
Warriors Heart inc
Board Secretary
Not all Warriors are Soldiers
Steve Pybas was a son to Barbara, a husband to Chris and a father to his son, Sean, and daughter, Elizabeth.
Steve Pybas was a Warrior for America and the Constitution that makes her great. He was Proud to be an American. He didn't just "talk the talk", he Walked the Walk of an American.
Everything that he was involved in, such as the Jaycees and the FNRA, were things that made this country better.
The whole Pybas family is special to us. Since 2003 they have been involved with our efforts to support the troops. I have spent many, many hours with Chris and her mother, Leigh, and with Barbara. We have been Blessed to have them in our lives!
When forming Warriors Heart inc., and asking people to join us on the Board, Chris and Steve were at the top of the list! "Why?" someone asked me. "Why them?" I answered, " They are the perfect example of the ABOVE AVERAGE AMERICAN that we want to associate with! " We were so thrilled when Steve said "Yes!" Yes, he would help us help our troops even more then he already had before. And he did.
Not every Warrior wears a Uniform.
Cindy Stanley and Jerry English
Warriors Heart co-founders
