When my grandma
passed in the late 90s all our relationships crumbled with my uncle... For so
many reasons... My mom and uncle would not talk but they faithfully exchanged
birthday and Christmas cards every year. I'm sure my grandma smiles on them
both from above for not giving up on each other! When mom and uncle Rick
reconnected, we found that during the times of separation he was sad and lonely
and he battled and conquered cancer alone. He was a fighter and continued to
fight 'til the end.
Mom said, "Last night
Uncle Rick sat on the foot of his bed for 40 hours straight - fighting to
breathe - until he passed out" and subsequently crossed over to the other side... As a side
note it was smokers disease that took him and smokers disease that took my
grandma about 19 years ago... It's such a hard way to go... And it's horrible for your family to
watch... Maybe most deaths ARE hard to watch but if you can spare your family from
this plight, do whatever you can to eliminate the possibility! I'm praying I go
quick and painlessly someday so don't be surprised if that prayer is suddenly
answered...
Uncle Rick was a fun
uncle for this child... Teased us and played with us and was a li'l over the
top... he did disgusting and scary things just to make us laugh... But was
always loving and supportive... He was a very handsome guy with a great tan.
He stayed fit
mostly by doing odd construction jobs to make an extra under-the-table buck. My
entire life I recall people referring to him as a genius in respect to his IQ
but he never really held a steady job. Our Father in heaven blesses us with
great gifts without expectation for what we will do with them... Be a good
steward of the gifts you are given.
I think we were
together on most Thanksgivings pretty much without fail... Man - Uncle Rick loved that
day... I never saw anyone pack away as much food as my uncle... I thought of
him every year on that day and I always will...
We take Thanksgiving
seriously in our family. Everything you would imagine in a traditional meal but
with the most flavorful amazing recipes you have ever tasted... And everything
is homemade! This past year mom was heading over to see Uncle Rick and as I was
packing a plate for him, I asked her if she thought he would want the turkey
leg. Her face lit up and she said, "Are you kidding? That's exactly what
he asked for..." Ironically, this year, my turkey had the largest, most
moist and flavorful turkey legs I've ever cooked. I suspect God had his hand in
that plan knowing it was to be Uncle Rick's last turkey leg ever... Praise
God... Time and time again I'm reminded that Our Father in Heaven even cares
about the small stuff - even if we don't follow and subscribe to the religion.
Like a loving Father, he wants good things for us and carefully orchestrates
the plans to bring us the best and to give happiness, joy and light to our
broken lives!
Shortly after that,
mom had been telling me how cold he was and that he was having trouble warming
up... Personally I'm addicted to super soft fuzzy warm blankets... As I was
wandering and shopping for Christmas, I found a beautiful warm fuzzy blanket...
One of the softest I ever touched and even though he wasn't on my Christmas
list, I got it for him as a Christmas surprise... I'm so glad I listened to
that still small voice that told me how to bless him in his final days.
Over the last year or so, mom started to rekindle her relationship with him... She was a great sister to a brother who wasn't always kind or loving to her, or even easy to love... She is an amazing example of forgiveness and she demonstrated Christ's love through his very difficult last year... She was a servant to him in every way... And especially in these difficult last few months...
She visited him...
Took him gifts and food... Ran errands for him... Got him a doctor and
faithfully took him there... Raced to the hospital every time he was rushed
in... She was his full time caretaker and roommate these last few weeks as it
became clear things were coming to an end. She was even his gourmet cook this
final week meeting whatever cooking challenge he dreamt up for her to meet! She
is a true iron chef with amazing selfless love. She even took on personal physical
pain to support and love him in his last days.
I'm so blessed to
have such an amazing example for a mother!
As difficult as it
was for mom she found times of joy and created happy memories with her brother
in his final days. The amazing thing about serving selflessly are the personal
blessings, healing, and restoration that come from giving of yourself... To God
Be The Glory...
We hope and pray that
in his final hours it was Mom's selfless love that made Jesus real for an uncle
who had fought the thought of that his entire life...
Lessons learned...
- God Loves you and gives you good things no matter what
- Your family/siblings will always be there for you
- Always make your mama proud
- Give of yourself tirelessly in times of need and be a
Light in their World
- Use your gifts to do good... To him who much is given,
much will be required
- Listen to the still small voice
- Don't Smoke or ingest other nasty S***
- There is hope in knowing it's NEVER to late to follow the Light
I love you Uncle Rick
❤️ Nicki
