Memories last forever

Today marks a very bittersweet day. I am so thankful that Uncle Chuck's suffering has ended, but sad to think about the life that went with it. His life is a part of so many of my childhood memories, it really is "unbelievable."  So thankful for memories and the happiness that they bring. 

He will be thought of when I see a glass of apple juice, stain my deck, go sledding, eat BBQ on the 4th of July, drag the bottom of my canoe, ride with the top down without a ponytail, search for the biggest pumpkin, see white speckled jaw breakers in the candy store, open up a bag of goldfish, see his Lily's open up in July, wish my car would be shiny and clean like his, eat salami and crackers on a hike, 

sit down to have a nice big omelette, drink green beer or two, I dream of poppyseed stollen  from his favorite bakery, when I burn my peanut butter cookies, when I see a giant game of chess, when I hear a turkey flying in the woods, when I see a turtle sun bathing on a log, when I do my 50 push-ups a day, or when I have honey baked ham. 

I will really miss him when I catch a whiff of a cigar or see someone pop the top off of a Coors.  

Even though there were days when he just wanted to keep to himself, I think it made all the days when he was around us so much more special.

I hope I never forget his chuckle or his stories that usually ended in- wow, I said to myself, unbelievable,I know. 

This came from a post earlier this spring after I found out my uncle was going to fight his cancer again...

"I spoke with my uncle today. He was friendly, hopeful and eager to talk. He wasn't angry, grumpy, or refusing my call.  He's got more courage than I thought he'd have at this point in his life. I'm thankful that he is allowing us to be a part of it and allowing others to help. 

When you know your about to lose someone you love, it's the memories that will allow you to love that someone forever...and bring you the happiness that you need when they are gone. 

We don't know when our time is up. However, we do know that we are given this day. So love someone, laugh with someone and make a lasting memory today. 

Go on an adventure, take a hike, find a bargain, take a picture or have a beer. That's what my uncles would say."