Today is my Uncle John's birthday. It is his first birthday that he is not with us, in body. He past away this past year form colon cancer. He was my mother's "little" brother. "Big John" was 6' 6" and his large stature was matched only by his enormous heart.....and there go the tears....didn't take long. That's because this man is an integral part of the man that I am today. He was and is the prime example to me of the kind of Husband, Father, Uncle, Brother and friend that I strive to be. He has left behind a legacy. My nephew, his great nephew just got a tattoo in his honor...what does that tell you? He served our country in Vietnam and spent a good part of his life caring for people for a living, working in a hospital. When my mom was left to raise an army of children alone.....Big John was there, when my sister needed somebody to drive with her to California....Big John was there, when I was at my lowest point and felt like I had no hope...Big John was there. When I think about it, whenever anyone needed anything....Big John was there! He told me once that he loved me so much that I could light his brand new car on fire and all he would do is roast marshmallows...oh, I forgot to mention that he was hilarious!....and you know what, he meant it...he would. He liked "things", but he knew they were just "things"....people, his friends, his family is what he lived for....what his soul still lives for. I have had some periods of sadness since he's been gone thinking that my children won't have the opportunity to experience him. But, they will...because he is a part of all of us...always. His humor, his love, his values, his wit....it lives in his family....in me. Today I choose not to be sad thinking of you because that would not honor who you are. Today, I smile and rejoice that I was blessed to have such a spectacular human being be such a huge part of my life. And, one day we will meet on the other side....have a Guinness and some burnt chocolate chip cookies waiting for me. You are my Uncle and my friend and in my heart always! Happy Birthday Uncle John!
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