I will miss you so much. Some of my best childhood memories are with you: our walks to Hawkinberry Hollow where we fed Bob Manning's chickens, took donuts to Big Boy, sat on the giant rock, drank water out of the spring using our collapsible cups, used our walking sticks that you made from a broomstick with a nail in the bottom, and of course the infamous abandoned TV that you climbed in and let me "change the channels." We had tons of fun in the Mama Mia room, covered in drawings that the kids all made you. We recorded radio broadcasts, and even played in laundry baskets. Your energy and creativity were a child's best friend.
When I got older, you picked me (and my friends) up at the bus stop, always bringing us our favorite goodies (usually donut holes from Foodland). You always made me laugh, and after I moved away, you made my visits home more fun. Lucky will always appreciate the popsicles you fed him, and his favorite dirty old balls that you saved for him.
You were the heart of this family, and life is not going to be the same without you. I am heartbroken that our child will not get to know you, but we will do our best to make sure the legend of Uncle Jimmy lives on. I take some comfort in knowing that you are no longer in pain, and hope that you finally have peace.
Love,
The Princess
Such a beautiful letter, Gayle.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your Uncle Jimmy. He sounded like such a wonderful (and fun) uncle.
I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs.
Dear Gayle, such a wonderful tribute to Uncle Jimmy. He would really appreciate it. Love you, Aunt Mary Gay (using Mark's login)
ReplyDeleteGayle, this says it all. Things like this were done with each of us. I had the opportunity to have had longer time with him. He was unique in his own way. He will be missed. He gave Lucky more than popsicles, but you were never to know. He loved each of us. What a character. I have some really good pictures of him. I will send them to you when I get a chance.
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