Thursday, September 16, 2010

Neverending Love....

Good Morning Company Girls!

I have an Uncle Shorty....yes, he really is short....his actual name is Hugh, but I was told that he preferred Shorty ...he really didn't think Hugh was a 'manly' name...which is kind of humorous since he also name his own son Hugh! Uncle Shorty was married to Aunt Elsie...she was one of my dad's older sisters. Uncle Shorty was a neat man....always caring, always seemed much younger than his 91 years. When his wife was declining and she had difficulty moving he did everything for her..bathing , dressing, did her hair..even put her earrings in for her..so she always looked nice. Aunt Elsie got to the point where her speech was so slurred that people couldn't understand her...she needed special care in a nursing home but Uncle Shorty still tried to do everything for her..he moved into the nursing home with her..even though he didn't need to be in a nursing home. I'll always remember when he'd take her for a drive..after he put her in the car, he'd lean over her to buckle her seat belt for her....he'd say something to her and give her a little kiss. It was my dad that told me that he always told her that he loved her...every single time he buckled her seat belt for her! I was awestruck. About a year and a half ago, Aunt Elsie died and Uncle Shorty moved out of the nursing home...he lived in Ottawa for about the last 40 or so years...but his only son, his only child left (his daughter died of cancer 9 years ago) lived in Victoria, British Columbia. So, Uncle Shorty decided that that's where he'd go. I had mixed feelings at the time...I knew he was lonely, I knew it would be good for him to be near his son...but I also knew that I'd probably never see him again alive. It made me very sad as I hugged him good bye...but..I did see him again..he and his son flew back in May for my dad's funeral. I cried when I saw him come into the funeral home and embrace my little mom. He had been their Best Man at their wedding...now they both were without their spouses.

You may have caught that I referred to Uncle Shorty in the past tense, a few sentences back. That's because this morning he was probably giving my dad a big hug as he joined him in heaven....he was a great husband, father, grandfather...and a great uncle.

We will miss him but rejoice with him that he is with the Lord...and all the special people, his wife, his daughter, my dad...and a host of others that have gone on before.

8 comments:

Diane said...

((Hugs)) One of the worst parts of life is the passing of someone we love...but one of the most hopeful is the anticipation of seeing them once more - minus all frailties and health issues - in heaven. He sounds like a remarkable man.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, but I rejoice with your family that he's with the Lord now.

Cindy Swanson said...

What a precious man your Uncle Shorty must've been. I'm sure he's having an amazing celebration in Heaven right now!

Really enjoyed visiting your blog!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about Uncle Shorty. I'm glad he is with the Lord now. I'm sure he will be missed here. He sounds like a gentle soul and so caring. What a blessing for you to have known him.

Hoping you'll have those photos up soon. =)

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes. Love and blessings to you, sweet one.

Jhona O. said...

What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your Uncle Shorty and letting us glimpse into his huge heart. What a beautiful example of love and devotion. Praying for you today!

One More Equals Four said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. You have had such a tough year. But I rejoice with you that he is hugging your daddy and reunited with his precious wife! What a beautiful story of a love that lasted through the ages!

Beth Herring said...

I saw your comment on Melissa's post and just wanted to tell you that I know what you mean about missing your dad. My dad died 16 years ago at the age of 58 and I just couldn't believe how my heart still hurts!

I am praying for you my friend - that God will just minister so mightily to your heart!