To My Uncle

 

My dearest uncle,

I am so sad that I could not tell you these things when you were here.  But, my heart is content because I know you can hear me.

I think back to all my memories of you.  My first memory of you is when my grandfather, my father, and some of the uncles went night fishing in 152.  We had gotten there right before it got dark and were getting ready to set up our place to sleep for the night.  I remember you digging a hole on the side of the small cliff.  You stated that it was where you were going to sleep.  You seemed so thrilled about the idea too.  You dug and dug, and before dark, you placed your sleeping bag inside.  I do not know why you wanted to sleep there, but when we all woke up early the next morning, you were still there, inside your self made cave.

You enjoyed your life and lived it as such.  You were the first person in our family to get a tattoo.  We were visiting, and you came home with a girl on your shoulder.  When I asked you who she was, you didn't know.  You just thought that she was so pretty.  Silly uncle. 

You loved cars, especially American muscle cars.  When I think back to you in your younger years, I think of you driving around in your black car.  Oh, how the girls must have loved you.  You loved pit bulls, and ignited our family to love them too.  I love how cousin put it.  "If you knew Simba, you knew Uncle."  He was your son before you had a son.  He was graceful and strong; just like you.

I recall back on my immature childish ways.  You were always on our case about something, and we nick named you dragon breath.  With all the spats, you were always the first to place your pride to the side and apologize.  Maybe never verbally, but always with your actions.  When we were younger, you and my sister had gotten into an argument.  My father was visiting North Carolina, and would not be home for another week.  But, as soon as he got home, you were there no longer than a minute after.  You had brought over two chickens.  We had dinner together.  My father said that was your way of apologizing.  Many people say you had a temper, but they failed to noticed that you apologized just as quickly as you angered.  And that you forgave others just as quickly too.  I can honestly say no one in our family is like that; just you.

I will always remember your silly grin and your goofy humor.  I will remember our last conversation.  God planned it so well.  I rolled down my window and yelled out, "hi uncle!"  You and your catch phrase, "hey girl".  You asked us where we were going, and I said to grandma's.  I invited you over, and you said you'd come.  I am blessed that our last conversation was a happy one.  I am so thankful that we had those few seconds to chit chat.  

I will recall all the memories we've shared.  I will miss you forever Uncle.