Thursday, October 01, 2009

i'll be gone for a few days

Thank you for all of the beautiful comments left regarding my Uncle Bill. At the risk of sounding corny, the words that I wrote about the man do not even adequately capture the greatness of the man. He truly was one like no other and he will be deeply missed.

I'll be flying out in just a few hours to rejoin my family in South Carolina. (Yowzer, I'm having a panic attack. Darn that they only have 'commuter' planes in to GSP. What the heck happened to the BIG planes on American?) I won't be back until late Monday night and as such, I will have to push back the announcement of a winner for the block set until at least Tuesday. That gives people two extra days to participate in the contest, if they haven't already. (I should probably mention that my small blue bracelet supply is gone. I do still have some small greens - and a lot of small pinks - but the little blues went fast! I promise to order more of those next time. Oh yes. There will be a next time.)

Charlie, the remarkable man that he is - will be home alone with the children, while I am gone. In spite of that, on Sunday afternoon he will, quite possibly, be making his first television debut. The show that he will be participating in doesn't air until January. And that's all I want to say about that. (Except, think ABC.)

Yesterday was tough for me. Between trying to function at work - and field phone calls from various family members - and summarize some thoughts on my Uncle Bill - and coordinate last minute cross-country travel plans, I was feeling a little overwhelmed.

Early in the morning, soon after I received the news, my sweet children were holding my hands and rubbing my back while I tried to suppress tears. They were so concerned for my well being. "What is wrong, Mommy?" they innocently asked. "Why are you crying?"

I told them that Uncle Bill had gone to live with God and they all stood quietly, thinking about the implications of this. Since they lost their beloved dog, Molly, just last year, they vaguely understand what it means when something goes to live with God.

William told me that he was Uncle Bill's angel - which is entirely true - because Uncle Bill even said so, himself. Elizabeth told me that just like Molly, Uncle Bill will always be in our hearts and if we just close our eyes, we can see him any time we want. She then shut her eyes tightly and said, "Hi Uncle Bill! It's me, Elizabeth. I LOVE YOU!"

This made me smile through my tears and Carolyn - who had been studying my face intently the whole time sensed that the mood had lightened. That's when she placed her hand on my cheek and softly whispered, "Mommy, you've got a BIG boogie in your nose. Can I get it for you?"

Laughter. It truly is the best medicine.

And no one serves it up as well as children.

10 comments:

  1. All my best to you and yours.

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  2. Have a safe trip! Miss you and your big boogie!

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  3. So he's on....

    Dating the Dark

    No?

    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition: 1 Sunday Afternoon Edition

    No?

    WIFE SWAP! SUPERNANNY!
    (I can't for the life of me figure out which one of these ABC Reality Shows would only need to be filmed on a Sunday afternoon).

    (I got my list from here: http://abc.go.com/site/casting I've personally never heard of Dating in the Dark).

    PS -- Truly am sorry about Uncle Bill. He sounds like an absolutely AMAZING man. Have a safe flight and a wonderful visit remembering your loved one. Big Internet Hugs!

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  4. Oh the booger comment made me laugh : )
    Enjoy the time with your family and take care.

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  5. Don't you just love kids!! "A boogie in your nose." I love it. I'm sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

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  6. Hope you had a safe trip east... so sorry to read about your loss. How wonderful to have such an amazing uncle and to have valued him so much while he was here to know that. He must have been very proud of you.

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  7. Tearing up with William's comment, tearing up with Elizabeth's comment and then cracking up with Carolyn's comment. I have a similar situation Jen with my aunt and uncle, took my sister, me and my mom in after my mom and dad got divorced, 8 years old, not remotely understanding what the hell is going on but I was happy because I loved them so and my cousins too and it was a vacation for me. We stayed with them for a long time and they were wonderful, loving and took it in stride even when my cousins and my sister and I fought like crazy children. My aunt has passed on but my uncle God love him is still with us, but he remarried a witch so I don't see him often enough. I'm so sorry your loss. Not many people have someone like that in their lives. I'm glad you did. Be safe on your trip. Cry alot it will help.
    The t.v. thing with Charlie has me so curious.
    Take care, Love, Denise.

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  8. Jen, I am very sorry for your loss but on the other side happy for you that you could spend so much unexpected time with your uncle. I sent a note to Margaret as soon as I read the sad news on your blog. I wish you all the best and that you find comfort while being among your family. Michaela

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  9. I am so very sorry for your loss J.

    My Aunt flew to Hou.ston on Wednesday to begin her cancer treatments at m.d.ander.son. I couldn't help but think about Deanna during this time, too.

    Cancer sucks.

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