Monday, November 28, 2011

Suddenly



That's how things happen, very suddenly.  The Friday before Thanksgiving my Uncle Jack was killed in a car accident.  He was on his way to the VA hospice to talk to a fellow marine veteran who was dying.  Uncle Jack, or Bill as he was called by everyone but his family, was a writer......a newspaper man for many years and although retired still wrote a weekly article for his local newspaper.  He had written a couple of books and had one more child than my parents.....so he was obviously competitive!    


This is not a tribute to my uncle.....that is not mine to write....just a sort of goodbye and a reminder of how suddenly life changes.



Aunt Frances, Uncle Jack, Aunt Ada, Aunt Evelyn and mama

These pictures are from our family reunion in 2005.  Aunt Frances and Uncle Jack were the two surviving siblings from my dad's family.  Mama and Aunt Evelyn the wives of two of his brothers, my dad and Uncle Joe.


Uncle Jack was a real writer, not a play blog writer like I am, so when I got an email from him after this blog post, it really meant a lot to me.  Below is the email.




Eularee fowarded me you blog on your mother's birthday. I tried to comment, but you bloggers blocked an old newspaper straight matter man. Said I didn't belong in your world and gave me a list of old folk homes. I read it and viewed the pictures on line and it brought back fond memories of better days. But I must complain that I am supposed to be the writer in the family and you are trying to put me to shame. But I had a lovely time visiting with a lady I love and respect and even got a glimpse of a bunch of nieces and nephews and of course my sister Frances. Give my love to all you Duncans. Jack the blacksheep from Oregon.


Eularee is Uncle Jack's daughter and my cousin.  She's also a talented writer among many other things.


Uncle Jack was just going about his life when suddenly he was gone.  He went from this world to be with Jesus.....suddenly. 


We will all miss him, but celebrate his life with our memories.


**********************************
My brother may be slightly upset at me for writing about him.....but he's bound to get over it!






Shortly before Uncle Jack's accident, my brother was badly hurt in an accident at home.  One moment he was on a ladder cutting a tree branch and the next he was on the driveway, having hit the steel bumper on another brother's truck on the way down.  He recovered although he may be just ever the slightest bit brain damaged.







Also in the last couple of weeks, a friend had unexpected open heart surgery and one had a stroke while out fishing with his grandchildren.  


Things. Happen. Suddenly.


Take no one and nothing for granted........






  





11 comments:

Needled Mom said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sweet uncle, Jack. His letter leads me to believe he had a great sense of humor.

Yes, things happen so suddenly. We never know when we will meet our Lord. Live each moment as though it could be the last.

Connie said...

Yes...we never know when we will take our last breath! How wonderful that on his last day he was DOING something for someone and NOT just waiting to die sitting at home. That's the way I want to be! I'm sorry for your loss and know you will miss him. Happy to know he is in heaven waiting for you and your loved ones.

Cathy said...

I truly know how "suddenly" your life can be changed forever. We will all miss Uncle Jack...he was a very vibrant 82 year old man...we pray for our Aunt Ada and all his family. We are all also happy for the miracle that our brother survived his fall and that the outcome was a good one....we do not need anymore "suddenlys" for a while!!

I am thankful to be a part of this big, loving family and to have so many to rally round when there is a "suddenly" in one of our lives.

Dawn said...

What a neat note from your uncle - a treasure indeed. He sounds like a fun and great guy who will be missed greatly.

Always be ready for the suddenly - good reminder.

The Hatcher's said...

Sorry about your Uncle Jack. Sounds like he was a good man. Your family is in our prayers.

thouartloosed said...

So true, Nancy. Why is it so hard to just Live in the moment and enjoy the blessings God has given us for today? Sounds like your Uncle Jack knew how to do that. I know you will miss him.

Tonja said...

I am just catching up. So sorry there has been so many accidents and sadness in your family and friends. You are so right. Things happen suddenly and have life changing consequences. And, it's just one breath away for all of us.
What a lovely note from your uncle about your blog post. I know that means much to you now. So sorry for your family.
Hope your brother is OK...and doesn't get too upset about that brain damaged jab!
We have to continue with those jabs no matter how old we get, don't we?
Praying for you.

Tonja said...

I am just catching up. So sorry there has been so many accidents and sadness in your family and friends. You are so right. Things happen suddenly and have life changing consequences. And, it's just one breath away for all of us.
What a lovely note from your uncle about your blog post. I know that means much to you now. So sorry for your family.
Hope your brother is OK...and doesn't get too upset about that brain damaged jab!
We have to continue with those jabs no matter how old we get, don't we?
Praying for you.

Deb said...

so sorry for your loss...he sounds like he was a wonderful man...yes things do happen suddenly...we need to remember that and relish each moment we have with our loved ones...family and friends...great reminder...

Katie and Beau said...

Where's the "like" button? This was a great post. xoxo

Debby@Just Breathe said...

((((HUGS)))
This brought tear to my eyes. I am so sorry for the passing of your uncle and your brothers injury. Also your friends who have suffered. There is never a nice time to lose a loved one but when the holidays come around it just intensefies the pain.