Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Family is Family

Today I talked with my mom. During this conversation, I learned that my uncle is dying. He wasn't expected to make it through last night, so they aren't sure how much longer he has. I think the last time I saw Uncle Bob was at my grandma's funeral...that was 10 years ago. Though I haven't seen him in years, family is family. He is my uncle. I have a lot of memories getting together with them when I was younger. I adored my cousin, Lori. Over time, we didn't see them as much and they moved further away. All my grandparents have died. That was horribly sad and hard for me. I have dealt with death before. But it's a different story when an uncle or an aunt dies. Grandparents are "old." You expect them to die. It's sad, but it happens. My uncle? It's closer to my parents. He's not that much older than my mom...though I think his lifestyle was harder on his body. And then the thought occurred to me that this isn't just my uncle, but he's my mom's older brother. I can't imagine losing Ted. I look up to him. He, with my sister, paved the way for me. He protected me when I was younger...and though we don't talk everyday, I know he's still got my back if I need him. He's my big brother. I don't know the last time my mom talked to Uncle Bob, but he's still her older brother. He's her Ted. And that breaks my heart. Tomorrow she and my dad will be driving up north so she can say goodbye. I wish I could be there. I wish I could say goodbye, thank you for helping create some of my childhood memories, and I love you. No matter the circumstances, the distance, the past -- even if filled with regrets, family is family. You love them and grieve them when they are gone. I love my family. So, for what it's worth....I won't be there at your bedside tomorrow, but Uncle Bob, goodbye, thank you, and I love you. I'll see you again.

5 comments:

Courtney said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Jenny. When my uncle died, it was really hard for me, even though I wasn't close to him. I think you expressed it well-- there's something more personal about it when they are close to your parents' age and when you realize what it would be like to lose a sibling. Even though you know you'll see them again, I think it's still so difficult to understand and to grasp.
I'll be thinking of you.

sagebrushandbuttercups said...

Hard stuff especially when having to be far away.'Family is Family'--how very much we love each member.So very sorry for you and your family about losing your Uncle Bob, Jenny.
Love, Jan

Laura said...

I'm sorry for your family's loss. It can be so difficult to understand but I'm glad that you have the knowledge that you will see him again. Good luck with everything and I'll be thinking of you and your family.

Heidi said...

So sorry! I've been really lucky so far--most of my grandparents died before I was born!

Anonymous said...

Strange, but My Dad's uncle just passed away too. He was a little older, he but not too old. He was 62. I agree with you family is family. I really loved my great Uncle but couldn't be there for the funeral either. Aren't we lucky to have the gospel in our lives? Knowing we will see these family members again someday makes it all a bit easier.

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