Summer of 2007 we rented a box at the Cardinals game and ALL went and had a grand time. I just love this picture.
Last Monday, we lost the core of our family… my Uncle Tom who was known as “Pa” to most but was so much more than either title could ever explain. My Cousin Kelly was his only Granddaughter and she wrote the most touching post last week. Here is a little piece… “He was the matriarch of the family. He was who you went to for help, who you tried to hide feelings from knowing he knew what you felt like. He was the one who sliced the ham and turkey at family dinners. He led the prayers. Our pastor said that we know he is in heaven. If he wasn’t then no one would be. He was a true Christian. As I sat at the hospital telling him how much I loved him and holding his strong hands stroking the rings I have so many times before I couldn’t understand why it was his time to go.”
What I don’t remember but love to be reminded of, “You always wanted to go to church with Uncle Tom & Aunt Georgia on Christmas Eve” my Aunt Sher tells me at every Christmas celebration. What I do remember and very clearly, every single time I would see my Uncle Tom he would greet me with the biggest smile and hug and then would look me straight in the eyes and would give me a compliment, ask how I was and tell me how good it was to see me and that was always followed by an “I love you.” As I sat in the church a week ago yesterday and listened as my Aunt Sherry spoke about her father and as the Preachers spoke of their friend there were a few things that stuck out to me. He loved his wife so very much and always put her first in his life. Even when they were young and were not supposed to hold hands or pass notes in class… they did it anyway and no one was going to stop them from showing their love for one another. There were so many other things that were said that Thursday morning that made me take note of the kind of person that I want to be and reconfirmed the kind of person I’m looking for in a soul mate. Uncle Tom, I, along with our entire family – close and extended – will miss you deeply but we know you will always be with us in spirit. With much love, Nina
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Loosing a loved one is tough! Sorry to hear about your loss! I also lost my grandma [95] and aunt [died of ovarian cancer] within a month of eachother! So sad, but just know your family members who have passed lived a wonderful life!
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I wish the best for you and your family.
I am very sorry to hear about your loss!! You and your family will be in my prayers.
-Casey
Honey, You have had a hard week. I am so sorry. I am keeping you in my prayers.. hugs and love, xo
Wow, such a heat touching post. I was a little teary. Sorry about your lost and our prayers are with you.
What touching memories you have shared. It’s difficult to lose the ones we love. Nina, my prayers are with you.
I can barely see what I am typing because my eyes are filled with tears. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers!
You have been so strong this week!!! I know how hard of a time this has been for your entire family. I am always here for you and I love you to pieces! I am glad we were able to hang out tonight and share a few smiles instead of tears. XOXO
I’m sorry to hear of your losses. I hope you’re surrounded by family and people to support you. You sound very strong in your last few posts, but I hope you’re taking time to take care of yourself. You’ll be in my thoughts. xo
What a sweet man and an amzing family. I am so sorry about all the losses you have experience recently. I smile though knowing you have such a close, large family during these holidays!
Can’t imagine what you guys have been through. May you find peace in the fond memories. You’re all in our prayers. Lot of love. The Scanzanos.
Oh Nina, what a beautiful post. I am in tears. I hope I can be just half the person your Uncle Tom was. Your family is in my prayers.
Such a sweet post. Thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.