Jul 7, 2011

In Remembrance


On June 28th, I received two phone calls telling me that my uncle (Dad's oldest and remaining brother) passed away in his home. My aunt (his sister) found him. He had just turned 73 one month and one day previous.

A "Celebration of Life" service was held at the funeral home where as my sister puts it... "all the family goes when they die". Which is true. I was 9 or 10 the first time I entered the funeral home... when my grandmother passed. Then my uncle. Then my grandpa. Then my aunt. Now my other uncle. Kinda weird, huh?

During the COL ceremony, we were asked to share stories about my uncle. The night before, I couldn't sleep so I was up until after midnight jotting notes and stories about my uncle. I took them with me as "insurance"... as I didn't know if I could share them without crying... and I could just read it if I had to. I was the first to go... and then my brother took a turn. Not many people spoke, even though I know several people had really *good* stories.

My earliest memory of my uncle is when I was 5 or 6 years old. While I was at his house, he had crawled under the kitchen table, flipped his teeth out (Yes, he had dentures where the teeth could be flipped forward and out!) and growled. Then he proceeded to chase after me on his hands and knees. I laughed and ran. He then went back under the table until I was "brave" enough to get closer... at which time he'd come rushing out after me again.

Fast forward about 20 years. He was still full of fun and mischief. My parents had a get-together at their house. They have this huge tree where the center is rotted out. I heard him say, "I want to see what's up in there!" I grabbed my camera and took what became one of my favorite pictures of him.

Clickable for larger pic

My uncle is on the left. His oldest son is on the right -- this photo was taken on his Dad's "Celebration of Life", 15 years after his Dad's photo was taken. Pretty cool, eh?

As I looked through my photo albums, I noticed a theme to the majority of photos I had of my uncle. My uncle LOVED food. I have photos that showed him holding plates of food -- sitting at a picnic table... sitting on a lawn chair. I even have one of him sitting on the ground, propped up against a tree with a plate of food. At family get-togethers, he would always get caught eating things he wasn't supposed to (He was diabetic). Can you blame him? Food at family gatherings is awesome!

My uncle brought our family a lot of good times, and he definitely will be missed.

30 comments:

Emily in NC said...

Sorry to hear about your uncle. Really liked the pictures of father and son in tree, very cute.

Sue said...

You have wonderful treasured memories Meari! Nothing can beat that......I am sure he knows how much he was loved.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to your uncle on your blog. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Prayers for you and your family going out.

Nan in PA

EvalinaMaria said...

Oh, I'm sure he will be missed! He sounds like an uncle who everybody wishes to have... I'm so sorry for your loss. I love your story and your pictures. Here is a big {{{{{hug}}}}} for you.

Shelley said...

I am so sorry to hear of your families loss. But it is wonderful that you have great memories and pictures to hold in your heart.

Anonymous said...

I have got so behind with my blog reading that I had more than 2 updates of yours to read Meari! Enjoyed them all.

So sorry to hear about your uncle. Sounds like he was a lot of fun.

Hugs,
Lynette

Nancy M said...

Sorry to hear of your families loss. 73 really isn't that old! Nice picture of him and stories too!

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

Sending you prayers for you and your family.... May you all find peace and comfort during this time.

Kay said...

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your uncle. Thanks for sharing your wonderful memories of him.

Pam in IL said...

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You have such wonderful memories of your uncle!

Julie R said...

Sorry about the loss of your uncle. Sounds like you have lots of wonderful memories of a fun man.

Mouse said...

ohh wonderful memories .... Love the teeth !! and the photos as well ..lovely to be able to look on and remember the good times :) love mouse xxxx

Debra said...

so sorry.
Great pictures.

Akila said...

Am so sorry to hear about your uncle.
Loved reading your memories of him. He seemed to have been great fun being around.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry your uncle passed away. I am glad you have fond and loving memories of him.

Your wings look wonderful. Good work at school and sorry for the stress of Job #2. I hope things work out the way you want them to.

Tina

Carol said...

Your memories of your special uncle made me smile, Meari... How lucky you are to have such a close and loving family.

Bette said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. You sound like you have many fond memories of him.

Julie M said...

So sorry to hear about your uncle Meari. He sounds like he was a wonderful man and I enjoyed your stories about him.

((HUGS))

Julie

Claudette497 said...

I'm so sorry about the loss of your uncle - He looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing your good memories of him.

Katrien said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your memories.

Berly said...

I am so sorry for your loss, Meari. You have beautiful memories of your uncle. Hold on to them, they are precious. {{Hugs}}}

Mary said...

I'm sorry to hear about your uncle. He sounds like he was a hot ticket. Thanks for sharing your memories of him with us and his picture. Hugs!

Lyn said...

Your Uncle sounds like 'good people' Meari. Sorry to hear about him passing on. Will keep you and the rest of your family in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that you uncle has passed away, my deepest sympathies to you and your family. You have some nice memories of your uncle and know you will treasure them.

Marl

Vickie said...

So sorry about your Uncle. The pictures are cute.

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Sorry to hear about your uncle - 73 is not old these days.

Mary Ivancicts said...

So sorry to hear about your Uncle.

CJ said...

I truly enjoyed reading about your memories of your uncle. Such a sweet way to remember someone. Sorry for your loss.

CJ

Wanda said...

I am sorry to hear of your loss, Meari. What a nice tribute you have on your blog.

glenda said...

I am sorry to hear about your uncle. I'm glad you have so many wonderful memories :)