Uncle Curly

On February 13, 2008, my Uncle Curly died. I am posting a letter that I sent to him in the Fall of 2007.

Dear Uncle Curly,

I have been thinking of you and praying for you a lot lately and I wanted to let you know. I also want to tell you that you have had such a joyous effect on our family. When we would pack up the old station wagon and head to Massachusetts every summer, there were two things that we really looked forward to: jumping in the lake and seeing you and your family. You were always larger than life to me when I was a child. You are so tall and boisterous and always joyful...or snoring. I have this picture in my heart of you, Bumpa, and my Dad nodding off in rockers; the sun is setting and bouncing off the lake in ripples of light around the room. That is when we knew we had to stay outside and let you rest. We would be summoned back inside with your reverberating "Eee-Urp!" Then we knew it was time for Aunt Lenora, aka Nonie, to stop talking, gather everything up...have a "pee and a drink" and get you back on the road. I remember a special day when we went out for ice cream and you ate two banana splits! We still talk about that and we always end up laughing and thinking of you with such fondness. I am also in awe of your quiet and consistent faith that you have nurtured for your entire life. As an adult, I have come to treasure your example of prayer and faith and works. It has strengthened my faith and I thank you for that. I love you very much and I wish I could be there.

God Bless You, Uncle Curly! With Love, Your niece,
Shiela