Remembering Uncle Art

Another of my father's brothers passed away this morning.  My Uncle Art, #3 of the 9.  He was 87 and had a tumor in his brain.  He decided that he didn't want to treat it, that he'd had a good life and he'd go when the Lord came to call him home.  I hope when it's my time, I am able to say the same.  I do believe that death is a little easier to take when we know the decedent had lived a good life, had family to love, to love them.

Uncle Art was a great man, who most always wore a smile and carried a laugh everywhere he went.  He kept all of the family stats, was the leader of the 'Up North Clan' and the eldest living brother.

As my sister said, "there was a great group of guys waiting for him to join them".  I'm sure they already had dealt him in on the next hand...the fifth brother to join the game. 

I took the news a little harder than I thought I would.  It seems as I'm getting older my emotions are closer to the surface (I'm crying at TV shows, commercials, etc.).  Yet, I tend to take things attached to my dad a little more to heart, and Uncle Art's passing is another broken link to my dad.  I guess it's kind of a realization that one day, everyone who knew my dad will be gone, and their memories of him will be gone with them.  It just stings a little.

My thoughts today are with my Auntie Mae, my cousins, and their families as they make the arrangements to celebrate Uncle Art's life.  They are certainly in my prayers.

Rest peacefully, Uncle Art for you loved and were loved by many.