Return with Honor

My cousin called me Thursday night to let me know her grandfather didn't appear to be doing well. Her grandfather is my only living paternal uncle and the only living sibling of my dad. Uncle Joe is an amazing man. He has always been a righteous example and has shown immense amount of love and compassion to all around him.

He has had some health problems over the last year. In no particular order he has suffered from a stroke, heart problems, and most recently dementia. He has been angry and even mean to his wife lately, which is totally out of character for him. I've never met a more gentle man. He will be 90 this June.

He has helped his family out on numerous occasions; Served in the Navy, when he was younger; been an active church member and provided countless acts of service for so many; worked in a prison- where he treated the prisoner with respect and I'm very sure he made a positive impact in many lives.

I remember his energy. When we visited in 2005 he insisted that we park our vehicle in his garage and he dry washed it to get the dust off of it. He wrestled with my boys. On more than one occasion he has picked the tangerine oranges off of his tree in his front yard and shared them with us. He always has a smile on his face and loves his family so much.

His wife is diligent and takes care of him, even when he says mean things. She knows it's not him. It's the stroke damage done to the frontal lobes. So unlike him.

We don't know how much longer this wonderful man will be with us. It saddens me to think that we won't be able to visit with him when we go down to California later this year. It will be different. I wish I could be there to help my Aunt with his care and to tell him how much I love him.

I talked with her on the phone today and she could only say how much she appreciated me and my annual letters, my family, and our visits. It's been almost 2 years since we have been able to go down. Yet, she tells me how much she loves our visits and how much we do for her and her family. I don't think she realizes how much she and Uncle Joe have done for me. They are great examples of service, kindness, love, and what family ought to be.

He has lived a great life and he will return with honor to our Heavenly Father and his parents and siblings. As much as I would love to see my family all get together, at a funeral is not my preferred way.

I love you Uncle Joe. Hug my dad for me and know that you were amazing to me and my family. My children adore you. My husband looks up to you. My brothers think the world of you. Your family loves you and feels blessed to have been apart of your life.

Uncle Joe, Aunt Reva, and grandson with his kids.

Uncle Joe May 2005

Monkey Wrench, Uncle Joe, Oldest- 2005 May

Uncle Joe and Cousin David- June 2010

Uncle Joe and Aunt Reva- June 2010