Sunday, January 22, 2012

reality interruption

We interrupt your virtual world with this breaking news flash from the real world.

This past week my world was interrupted by very sad news. My 91 year old uncle passed away. My wife and I are so grateful that we were able to make it to his 90th birthday party. 

I hope that I can wear a smile with my wrinkles as good as he could.



Complicating the travel plans of the visiting friends and relatives was nature’s winter interruption, a snow storm. I did some airport shuttle duty. 

Overall the sharing of family stories and meeting new members of the extended clan brought some joy to the sad occasion. 

His daughter shared a few funny stories about her dad. A fun guy that I learned was even more generous with helping neighbors than I realized.

My uncle didn’t care much for gambling but disliked losing even more. My cousin told us once she made a $5 bet on the superbowl game with her dad. As they watched the game unfold she made use of his new foot stool. She teased him as the fourth quarter was underway that he should get his $5 ready because her team had a winning lead. 

He asked, “What do you think of my new foot stool?” 

“It’s really a good one dad.” she replied. 

“You know, I rent it out for $5.” he informed her. 

She never got her $5 win. I’m going to remember that quick thinking trick. 

Death demands we interrupt our plans but we get to make new plans later on.

22 comments:

Kristina P. said...

What a sweet man! So sorry to hear of his passing.

Jillsygirl said...

I'm so sorry to hear this.  Was this the uncle you made that trip for earlier this year?  Sending my condolences.

pearlvz said...

Sorry to hear this, Bill.  He looks and sounds to have been a lovely man.

Pearl

lisleman said...

Yes he was.  thanks for the kind words.

lisleman said...

No different uncle.  My "king of the road" uncle was able to attend and he is still talking about our trip.  thanks for the kind words

lisleman said...

He was such a nice guy.  thank you for the kind words.

oceangirl said...

Gentle face, sweet smile.  I am saddened by your loss Bill. 

lisleman said...

Thank you for stopping by and sharing that thought.

savannah said...

what a great sense of humor and wit he had, sugar! thank you for sharing a story about your uncle. you have my condolences and my heart. xoxox

lisleman said...

Thank you for the kind words and thoughts.

Bearmancartoons said...

Hope I am grinning like him from ear to ear at 91.

lisleman said...

Yes!  His attitude at that age is a goal for me.  I hope I don't become the old man who is yelling at kids to get off the lawn.  thanks

A Daft Scots Lass said...

What a sweet looking man!  Sorry for your loss

Barbara said...

His kindness shines in his eyes. So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing a bit of him here with us!

Secret Agent Woman said...

I'm sorry to hear that.  I always find that the death of much older people is sad but also a time for celebration and family, comforted by the fact that the person got a good long life.

lisleman said...

Who can say what that age is (always years beyond your own) but the funerals of older people vs. younger ones do have a different level of sadness.  His daughter said a very similar thing about her Dad's full life.  thanks

lisleman said...

We all loved the twinkle in his eyes.  thanks

lisleman said...

thank you for the kind words and thoughts.

Thisstopwilloughby said...

I'm sorry for your loss.  He sounds like a great man.

lisleman said...

thank you for your kind words and thoughts.

Frau said...

Sorry about your loss....he sounds like an incredible man. Love his smile! 

lisleman said...

thank you for sharing your kind words and thoughts.

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