I rest my hammer for a wonderful uncle, a wonderful family

In a sea of Aunts and Uncles, Uncle Al could have been a man that didn't stand out much in mind. I remember him being kind of quiet. As I listened to my large family reflect on him, I realized that he didn't need to be loud or obnoxious. He led by example and there are no words required for that. I knew my history with him but loved hearing the history that he had with the rest of my family. He clearly left a huge impact on the world around him. I admire that and want to also be like he was!

This was one of the hardest funerals that I've been to and one of the most eye opening weekends I've had with my family. You see, we are large in number. With 15 children born into my mother's family, the cousins are EVERYWHERE and we have so many different types of people in our family. We are, by far, imperfect. There may even be people who would turn up their noses to us. But let me tell you of our best quality! WE LOVE EACH OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY! I hadn't paid any attention to that until my Aunt Corlie pointed it out. I think some of them are wacko and they have probably felt the same of me at times, but I know that I can always turn to them. Unfailing love. I couldn't possibly post a picture of all of them but I'll show you a few.

Left to right. Mom, nephew Austin, Aunt Dee, brother Scott.

Me and cousin Alicia

brother Scott and cousin Darin

Me, sister Kim, Dad, Mom, brother Scott

Me, Uncle Lorny Toad ( no other name needed), and sister Kim

I have searched for answers to things and troubles that I've had for a long time and clarity on many of those issues came to me during this trip. The silent, unconditional love of Uncle Al and my family showed me the answers. If I can leave an impact on people in that same way, it's a life well lived!

 

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