THE PASSING OF AN ERA

Last night I received word that my Uncle John, my dear departed dad's brother, peacefully passed. Though he had lived a long and productive life (he was 91), my uncle had been in poor health for the last few years and had been living with his son, my cousin Terry. My uncle posed with his service medals and flag for a Memorial Day photo this year, which I posted here in May.

Uncle John was always kind to us, his nieces and nephews. He always showed us a good time when we visited and told us stories and jokes with a gleam in his eye. I don't remember him before he had the silver hair which made him look so very distinguished. I do remember he was a good man and a good brother to my dad. In the early '60s, when Dad was out of work, with a wife and four young children to feed and clothe, Uncle John helped our family monetarily and arranged for Dad to visit him so he could take him to prospective employers in search of a job. I traveled with Dad on one of those trips and I remember my cousins giving up their rooms during our stay so my dad and I could be comfortable. At the time I didn't realize the purpose of the visit, but Uncle John and his sweet wife, my Aunt June, took us under wing and gave Dad hope that all would be ok.

Although Dad didn't find a job in my uncle's town, he did eventually secure employment, but we never forgot Uncle John's generosity in looking out for our family and for his younger brother. I'm imagining a great reunion among my grandmother and her family members. All her boys are now home and Uncle John is with his bride again. Rest in peace Uncle John. You'll never be forgotten.