Loss

Yesterday my aunt lost her husband and life’s companion. The man who did laundry and put up the Christmas decorations both inside and out. The man who, while rolling his eyes and grousing about all the Santas, proudly pointed out the new ones to the collection. The man who sold his car to buy an engagement ring, then waited years to buy his prized 1940 Ford. The man who taped a dime to a small plastic telephone when he got engaged and told my aunt it was a “dime-and-ring”. The man who carried her into the house because she was too “over served” to walk and who joked about helping her put on her bra when she was recovering from surgery. The man who prayed that she would be alright and come through her surgery whole and healthy.

Yesterday my cousins, who I consider my younger brother and sister, lost their father. The serious man who lost his temper over broken lamps and Aztec calendars. The man who agreed to shave off his famous perm to show support of his son’s swimming and traveled to swim meets near and far to cheer on both of his children. The man who passed on his negotiating skills to his daughter. The man who pretended to be a potential buyer when she was negotiating to buy a house so he could help her get a better price. The man who thought his daughter was the most beautiful girl in the world and proudly bragged about her accomplishments. The man who we will forever see in his son’s walk and hear when his son tells a joke.

Yesterday my surrogate nieces and nephews lost their grandfather. The man who could not wait to tell anyone about their latest accomplishments in sports and school, or a story about something they did that was bad or funny. The man who was there to cheer them on in his own quiet way.

Yesterday I lost my uncle. The man who, while being a pain the rear, cared deeply and would do anything for me or someone he cared about. The man who coached me on negotiating the purchase of my first new car and was proud of me when I got the price he suggested. The man who thought I was his best audience and could always make laugh no matter how long the joke was or how much I groaned at the end of it. The man who is the first person I want to tell a particularly good joke to and see if I can get him to crack a smile.

Yesterday, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends both old and new, lake friends, coworkers and classmates who just celebrated their 50 year reunion all lost a man they cared about and who cared about them. The man so many of you can and will tell great stories about in the years to come.

To my Uncle Brad, lover of family, friends, a good bargain and chocolate chip cookies, you will be missed.

xoxo