Saying Goodbye

After a week away, we have returned from our unexpected trip to New England to attend my Uncle's wake and funeral. I had such a flood of varying emotions while attending both things, sadness, thankfulness, pride and admiration, just to name a few. The sadness came in waves and still does. One minute I think, "OK, I am handling this OK now", only to feel my eyes watering up the next minute, but it is getting better. Being around my family helped tremendously. There is something about that bond with family, the shared experiences and memories that has been such a comfort to me. I could feel myself exhale as our plane landed in New England and I could not wait to be in the same room with my Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

My Uncle was a retired fire fighter after over twenty years of service and because of this was given a fire fighter's funeral. I have been to very few funerals in my lifetime (thank goodness) and have never attended anything like this. My cousins and I sat in amazement as we watched firefighter after firefighter pay their respects. It seemed as if the line of men in uniform went on forever. Different ranks, different cities, different ages, they were all there for the same reason.

I could go on forever describing the incredible things that were done for my Uncle during those two days, but I will end with this. I knew this man as my Uncle, but during these two days I saw him as a husband, a brother, a friend and a fire fighter. I am so proud of the man that he was and so blessed that a part of his heart belonged to me.

One of many toasts made to an unforgettable man.