Redemption
John Gilbert knows it's his last chance to make everything right again. SPOILERS FOR EPISODE 21, THE SUN ALSO RISES.
John Gilbert knows he hasn't been the ideal parent. Actually, he's been hated by his only child. Between him and Isobel, it's a miracle that Elena turned out perfect. All credit given to Grayson and Miranda…and (he admits grudgingly) Jenna. He regrets that Jenna was dragged into this, innocent, beautiful, spirited Jenna. She still had more in this life.
He, on the other hand, did not.
What had life been? Despised by his only daughter (who was running around with vampires), hated by the rest of his family (what was left of it). He tried not to care, but that only came off as being more of an asshole.
There was nothing more for him in this life.
Elena was all that mattered. She'd always been everything, even if she didn't know it. This was for her. One last chance to make it all alright.
It was a beautiful day. He walked outside, unknown to the worried men inside. He could hear Elena stirring.
It was time.
The sky was so blue, so brilliant. Would he be up there, in heaven? Or doomed to a life of hell for what he'd done?
It didn't matter.
As he felt his life-force being dragged away from him, Jonathan Gilbert found the only thing he'd been looking for his entire life- peace.