Uncle Al

Last week my Dad called from Connecticut to let me know that my Uncle Al (Dad's brother) had died.  Uncle Al has been struggling against cancer for some time now. Dad had gone over to his house to stay with him for a while so his wife Pat could go out to do some errands. But a few minutes after Dad's arrival, he suddenly passed away. His funeral service was on Thursday, and he was given military honors (WW2 vet).  We will miss him.

Some remembrances:

• He and Aunt Pat (like many of my extended family) were very accepting of my bride, Deb. He would ask her lots of questions to find out about her background, and he would also give her some good-natured ribbing (she's from the south, he's from the north). We enjoyed chats with him when we visited in New England.

• He was very jolly and full of laughter. He liked to tell stories.  He could also turn on a dime and talk very seriously about issues of life. And he had some decided opinions on things -- no doubt about where he was coming from.

• I can't remember the context or subject, but he was relating a conversation/debate he'd had with someone. I recall that Uncle Al told the person something to this affect, "Look, the main thing I care about is going to heaven. The rest of the stuff is not as important."

• He loved hamburgers. He was the original Wimpy (refer to old Popeye cartoons for those of you who don't know who that is).

Please pray for Aunt Pat as she deals with the loss of Uncle Al.  She has been having her own struggle against cancer for a few years now. She has a pretty spunky and enjoyable personality, as you can probably tell from the picture above. But she really needs the strength of the Lord right now. Please pray that she would know Him.

~Tom

Comments

[Susan]

They look like a sweet couple, Tom. I know you'll miss your uncle, but it appears that he knew he was saved. Praise the Lord!

[Mommy of two little blessings]

Dear Tom,
Sorry for your loss and for the whole it has doubtlesly left in your family. I hope your Aunt Pat turns to God in her time of loss and feels His ever prescent love around her in this time of sorrow and grief.
Remember to pray always,-me-(Mommy of two little blessings)
p.s. I appriciated learning a little about your uncle here on your family blog. Thank you for sharing. *smile*

[Melanie]

Wow, Tom, you look quite a bit like your uncle. I'm so sorry for your loss and am praying for your Aunt Pat.

[Chris]

Hi Tom,
We were sorry to read aobut your uncle's passing, he sounded like a really neat guy! What a blessing to have such special memories of your uncle. We will be praying for his wife, family and you all.
Chris for the whole gang

[Tammy]

Sorry to hear about your Uncle Al.Thanks for sharing your about him.

[Karen]

Tom, Deb, and Family,
Thank you for sharing a little bit about your Uncle Al. I had an Uncle Al that was also a ww2 vet. He passed away a few years ago. We will pray for you and for your Aunt Pat.
As we get older and our families (parents, aunts and uncles) get older, grief is more present and yet, eternity seems more clear. We hope that your Aunt Pat and your family can take comfort knowing that this is just for a short time.
God Bless,
Karen

[Islandsparrow]

Dear Tom, Deb and family

I am so sorry to hear about your dear uncle - he sounded like a wonderful man. I will be remembering you in prayer, especially your Aunt Pat.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

My sincere condolences on the passing of your uncle. But your loss is Heaven's gain, you know.