So once again, we have lost a family member, my uncle on mom's side, her youngest brother. It was totally unexpected, even though he had been having some fairly serious medical issues; he had in fact just been released from another hospital stay only the evening before. He leaves behind 4 sons, 1 daughter, and 2 stepdaughters, many grandchildren, and lots of siblings, nieces, nephews and so on...He joins his wife of I think 20 yrs or so in Heaven.

My purpose is not to write his obituary. I give no names, as to keep the privacy as much as possible of the family as they mourn.

My purpose is to remember. And while so many of my memories are jumbled with each other, with everyday living, working, surviving, and existing ...I will never forget this big man with some rough edges who loved his family and did his best for them.

I remember being little and being scared--more likely overawed---by this giant of a man with the booming voice....at least he seemed that way to a little girl....He teased us all, just like we were his own.....as i got older, when I would be visiting my grandparents and he was around--and even well into the middle age I am now---"how ya doing, uglier-than-i-am?"  As I got older, I would respond in kind: " No such thing." and tease him back.....as, no longer scared or overawed, I was comfortable with him....

He had his faults; we all do. He had his rougher times of living when he was younger. He was a Vet, God bless him. He was married and divorced twice before settling down with his third and last wife, who sadly preceded him in death a couple years ago. He had a passel of kids with his first 2 wives, and helped his last wife raise her young daughters to adulthood.

I'm gonna miss you, uncle dear......say hi to my aunt for us all...we truly miss you both. Rest in peace.