My Uncle; my mom's eldest brother...the one she still looked up to with the adoration of a small child,even at the age of 60. He would have turned 70 this year. I expected him to live until at least age 90 due to his healthy lifestyle. He was a kind, calm, and well spoken man. He had such a friendly and welcoming spirit, and was always up for a good laugh. My mother and all of her brothers looked up to him in some way or shape. Uncle Steve was basically the man of the house in my mother's eyes.
I always enjoyed visiting my aunt and uncle's house; where we would sit around their table and shoot the breeze for hours...the adults drinking coffee, while the kids played Nintendo 64 or watched a Disney VHS while we played hide and seek. We loved their fish, and their amazing dogs. They were quite the duo, my aunt and uncle. My aunt is hilarious and straightforward..."cut the shit" stuff. My Uncle was more reserved, but full of anazing stories. I miss him already. I missed him as soon as the cancer was found. I knew it would never be the same...but even until this morning I was holding onto some hope that it might turn around. That life would say: just kidding, you get a do-over. Why do the best people leave this Earth so soon? They leave behind a huge gap to fill...an amazingly wonderful gap that would take multiple people with the best personalities to fill. I guess what I'm trying to say is that my Uncle was pure quality. He still had an older feel about him that made you feel like life could be simple. He enjoyed nature, and I'm so thankful to have went on a hike with him in September of 2013...before the horrible toxin showed its true color. We were picking blackberries on the Island...I was walking around with my oldest daughter and taking in the perfect end of summer day. I will never forget those moments with him, or any of my family. I love them all so dearly. We may all have our own little tiffs, but at the end of the day they should all know that I have their backs and love them all with my entire heart. Family is forever. I am going to close tonight's blog with a symbolic ending: we are 3 roses and one small wooden boat.. We will be forever with you. I love you Uncle Steve, and tell everyone hi for me up there!!! As y'all would say.. Love ya See ya.
