My Uncle found peace on Saturday...

[LadyDracolich]

This past Saturday, June 7, 2008, my Uncle Lamar died, he was 64.  He'd had a long battle with lymphoma, though they'd only diagnosed him a few weeks ago.  Sadly, the VA hospital he'd been going to for treatment didn't catch it till it was too late.  He went through one round of kemo (sp?) treatment and realized it just wasn't worth it as the cancer had already wreaked havoc with his body. He left behind my Aunt Carol and cousin Carla. 

A few words about my uncle.  Generally speaking, he was a jackass.  Not speaking badly of the dead, just a fact.  His sense of humor was an acquired taste and often ran to the raunchy side.  However, he was also a good person.  Always fishing, hunting, or gardening (for veggies), he ever kept his friends supplied with various veggies and game.  He put me on my first pony (mostly b/c he was something of a sadist, I think.. who puts a 2 year old on a green Shetland pony?).  He taught me to shoot a gun, how to fish, and how to clean fish.  He showed me how the shuck oysters, bait a hook, and use a rod and reel.  But best of all, he gave the greatest hugs in the world and was genuinely happy to see me.  He was always supportive of my horse habit and always wanted to hear the latest horsey updates.  He made fun of the Japanese when I lived in Japan and made fun of the Yankees when I lived in Maryland.

So, this Sunday, I helped plan his funeral... right down to what he'd be wearing.  On Monday I watched my grandmother grieve as she said goodbye to yet another son.  And Tuesday I listened as the local pastor said a prayer over his grave and friends and family showed up to pay final respects to someone they cared about.

Now that I have had time to watch everyone else say goodbye and grieve, it is time that I do the same.

My uncle wasn't a man of means.  He wasn't political (more like politically incorrect!).  He was a man.  Salt of the earth.  He will be missed by many.   So, here's to you, Uncle Lamar.  May the fish in heaven be plenty and your bottle of Lord Calvert never empty.

So, if you don't mind saying a prayer (or sending positive vibes) for his soul, my Aunt who is still in shock, and my Cousin who is trying to keep it together,  I would appreciate it.

[Capt. Morgan]

A man's a man for all that...and your Uncle sounds like a man...salt of the earth...no flowery cover, no pretense, no need to impress but one who lived his life his way and it sounds like he taught you a great deal....not only about life...but about living. I mourn your loss...I rejoice in your discovery of who your Uncle truly was....and how the light of his candle lit yours.

A man does not die of love or his liver or even of old age; he dies of being a man.  ~Percival Arland Ussher


Light and Love

Morgan

[Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia]

Hi Hun,

Peace and prayers to you and yours.  I love you.

Sis

[renren]

Comforting thoughts and prayers for you and your family!

[Molden]

Lady D you are truly in my heart and prayers. I'm so sorry for your - and your loved ones' Loss.

Sounds like a hell of a man. I'm glad you had the opportunity to know and love him. It sounds like he'll always be there in the things that you enjoy.

Blessings and Deepest Condolences to you at this time.

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

blessings and keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.

[Deborah]

There is a small chapel on my way to work, and I will stop in this morning and light a candle. Prayers are headed your way.

[LadyDracolich]

Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers.  It is a great comfort to me that I cannot describe.

[Count Adolfo]

well, this particular jackass (yes, I know I can be a sarcastic and arrogant SOB) can appreciate where your Uncle was coming from... and applaud his life... for he was unabashedly him
may you and your family find peace in knowing that

and you're in my prayers, my friend

[Rani Zemirah]

Lady D, I will pray for your family to whatever Powers that may be, and celebrate the life of one so loved.  May you find comfort in all of those memories that make you smile in spite of your grief, and share those smiles with those who grieve with you. 

You and your family will be in my thoughts...

[BLAKDUKE]

Condolences, hugs, prayers and soothing words of comfort, from yet another Jackass, I think I know him a bit.

[Amras Elfwine]

Prayers for him, hugs for you, and a salute for living life on one's own terms.

I bid you, and yours, peace!

[Peddlin]

Well, he may have been a jackass, but who isn't, at times. And he was your jackass. He, obviously, made quite an impact on your life, and the lives of all of those that he loved, and it sounds like you were lucky to have him. He will live on in your heart. You have our thoughts and prayers.