Sunday, August 24, 2008

Finally Dancin' With the Angels

We got the first call last night that my "great" uncle was in the hospital because he'd just had a massive heart attack. I HATE late phone calls... it's never good news after midnight.

I personally think he was "already dancin' with the angels" when I arrived last night, but he continued on throughout the day with the help of life support; until just a few minutes ago. His body finally decided he'd had enough, and that he wanted to join the party in heaven.

GOOD FOR HIM!!!

It's hard not to be sad. My heart just feels heavy, and I'm tired of crying (maybe something to do with no sleep in 48 hours)... but I know he's finally in Heaven with Aunt Lucy(His first wife of 40+years), in a much better place.

He was a "great" uncle... for many reasons; but the thing I loved the most about him was his love for family; especially towards my mom. They had a very special relationship... and I pray that I'll be fortunate enough to maintain that kind of bond with my own sister's kids when we're that far along in our life's journey.

My uncle was a wonderful husband and father...

He loved to have a good time with all the kids...and his brilliant smile will be what I remember.
Since he was a fireman "back-in-the-day," he appointed himself the job of lighting all the fireworks for the fourth of July every year.

I'm truely going to miss him, especially in this hat!!

Friends: Life is short... live with no regrets!

30 comments:

Amanda said...

Thinking of you all and God Bless.
Sendig a big hug your way.
l,
Amanda xxxx

3boys247 said...

I am sorry for your loss. Your great uncle did indeed sound great. How blessed you are to have had him in your life. More hugs to you.

Laura

Tyne said...

what a sweet post, and he does have a great smile. I am sure he is smiling BIG TIME right now.

C and C Mommy said...

What a sweet tribute to your uncle!

We are dealing with my husband's Granny being in & out of the hospital. She is 91 years old. I know she is tired...I know she would rather feel better...

Hugs to you and your family...

I Am Boymom said...

I was just reading Heather's blog over at Oh My Stinkin' Heck, who just lost her grandfather. I am so sorry for your loss too, I agree with you that it must be such a joy for him to be reunited with his wife finally. He looks and sounds like such a kind man. Allow yourself the time you need to mourn your loss, it's all part of healing. Lots of love to you and yours.

Misty said...

What a darling man. I am truly sorry for your loss. Try to get some rest, Love.

The Joys of having Boys said...

I am sorry to hear about your loss. He did have a great smile :)

Anonymous said...

I am sorry about your loss. It is such a comfort when you know they are "dancing with the angels." You and your family will be in my thoughts!

Kristen said...

Oh I am so sorry about your great uncle!

So glad you have so many wonderful memories together.

Thinking of you, and hope you are able to rest soon!

Rhonda said...

He just has the look of happiness to him in his pictures. Sorry to hear he left and you are sad, but it sounds as though he was met by some loving people in Heaven.

XOXO

Are You Serious! said...

♥ I'm so sorry for you! Late night phone calls scare me everytime!

Bad Momma said...

Late night phone calls suck!
Sorry about your loss. I like your analogy about Dancing with the Angels.
I remember a discussion I had with my father when he and my mom were terminally ill.

"It's not the QUANTITY of life but the QUALITY that we should be concerned with."

Sounds like your uncle had a great QUALITY of life! Love the photos.

Jenny said...

Oh Rachel. I'm so sorry. It sounds like you have your head in the right place...he IS in a better place now. He looks like he was a hoot to be around!
I hope everyone is ok, and I hope you have a good week!

Anonymous said...

My heart hurts for you . . . but also Praises God that your Uncle is Dancin with the Angels . . . cherish those beautiful memories of him.

Anonymous said...

You are in my heart and in my thoughts.

Jules Bergman said...

Both happy and sad to hear the news.

Thinking of you and sending much love!

Amy Plumb said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. I'll keep you in thoughts and prayers.

One woman, three boys! said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you. sounds like he was a great uncle. ")

Miss Lisa said...

Hugs!!! I bet he is a great dancer up there (and bet he has a glowing version of that hat on!) :)

new*me said...

remembering your family in my prayers. Looks like you have some awesome memories of him.

Anonymous said...

My condolences. I know what you mean. You're thrilled for him, but mourning your loss here on earth. What a blessing to have had him for so long, and to know where he is now! :)

(((HUGS)))

Unknown said...

I am sure that you will miss him being with your family but so glad that he no longer suffers. What a wonderful man to have touched your lives!

Jodi said...

What a blessing to have such an amazing man in your life! He really sounds awesome. Even MORE HUGS!!!!

Jen said...

I am so sorry for your loss but it sounds like he is in a better place and having a great time.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, what a beautiful tribute.

Dawn said...

So sorry for you loss. Sounds like you were very blessed to have him in your family. How wonderful that you have such wonderful memories of him.

Queen to my 3 Boys said...

What a great tribute!

Sad for you...left here without uncle.

Glad for him...enjoying the mansion He prepared for him.

Thinking of you.

Grace Acres said...

I am so sorry for your loss, he looks like a very kind person.

Hipmomofboyz said...

Thinking of you and your family..

Tammy said...

I so sorry for your loss. Your great uncle sure sounds like he was a very special person.