Tuesday, July 1, 2014

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly: Goodbye for Now

Last Wednesday I found only one pew between me and my loved ones. I sat there crying listening to the sermon and songs. Aching for my cousins mourning for their dad. Watching as my aunt said goodbye for now to the love of her life. Sadden she is only left with memories to embrace.

The rain poured as we drove to the grave site. I began to think of memories I had of my uncle. I didn't have many from a child or teenager, but have so many with his daughters and wife. He was so quiet and often didn't come to family functions when I was younger. Maybe he did come and I just didn't remember. I have more memories here of late of his salvation and baptism, Christmas Eve parties and Thanksgiving dinners with the small talk of how are you?

Last year we ran into my uncle at our small town cafe. He came in and sat down at the table with me and my husband. He talked and talked and talked and we listened. He knew so much about us, my husbands work, our kids. When we got in the car to leave, my husband and I just looked at each other and smiled. We both agreed that we heard him talk more in that thirty minutes or so then the entire time we had been married.

We arrived at the grave site where a peeking sun waited for us. We gathered under the tent to say our final goodbyes. When I looked down I saw the grave stone of my grandfather. I looked at the date of his passing. What!?! It's been 8 years. Where does time go? It seemed like just yesterday my granddaddy was giving me a dollar after school so I could walk to Motts and buy candy.

When I was a child, I remember when those older than me would say they wish they could go back in time. Be a child again. Be a teenager again. Be in their twenties again. I remember in those stages thinking no way would I ever want to go back! But, as I drove home that day I understood why? Why I would even want to go back. It's not because of the memories I've made, but because of the people that I made them with that are no longer here.

Remember how I said my uncle knew so much about us? I don't know how he knew so much about me and my little family. Maybe we were conversation around their table at night. But, I do know how blessed I am to have a family so close even in the quietness.

Life is short. May our days come easy and the moments pass slow and each road lead us where we want to go with the people we love.

I was honored to have the opportunity to make a video of my uncle. A picture is worth a thousand words. They told me my uncle was a man that loved life, his country, his family, and God. Most importantly he was loved by many!

I would like to share a few of my favorites with you…











{Love this…His daughter's wedding and her daughter's wedding.} 


What seemed like yesterday was 75 years of blessed memories. 
But like I said. It's only goodbye for now.
See you Heaven Uncle Kenneth.

2 comments:

Seeking God in the good, the bad, and the ugly.

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