My Unc

                It is high time I introduced you all to my Uncle Joe, one of the greatest men I have ever met! He was my mom’s best friend when they were young and she introduced him to his future wife, her sister – my aunt. I always say my mom gave me the two greatest gifts – life and my Uncle Joe! He loved me as his own and helped raise me from the time I was 8 through 17. He never made me feel less than a human being and truly loved me like his own blood. I think it takes a special person to be able to open their arms, hearts, and even pockets financially, to take care of a child that isn’t their responsibility. My Uncle did all that and more. He is a Marine and the greatest patriot I know. I really believe red, white, and blue runs in his veins through and through, and I don’t think I have ever met anyone that loves this country more than my Uncle. If he could enlist and serve today, even at his advanced age, he would. I could go on and on about how special a person he is, but simply, he is my moral compass, and when I find myself confused or facing a tough decision, I always ask myself “What would Uncle Joe do?” to move on.

                When times were hard with Gramps and the whole Caregiver process, Uncle Joe was my rock and would offer encouragement, advice where he could, and did it all in a very nice, simple way. He never made me feel wrong or inadequate or incapable –I did a lot of that to myself. He talked me down from the ledge many times. He was the first person to call “wrong, wrong” when it came to my Aunts and some of their behaviors. He was never judgmental, just honest and to the point. He gave me perspective when I couldn’t see where I was going and the big picture. He is one of the few people in my family left, that I trust and love, and maybe more importantly, I know loves me back.

                When the Terry Schiavo case was all people talked about, my Uncle and I had a conversation about Advance Directives. If you don’t have one in place, explore it, decide if it’s for you, and if it is, sign on the bottom line! I don’t remember a lot of the details, but I do remember my Uncle Joe’s position, that he was pro-life and wanted to be kept alive by whatever means, no matter what. He said he would find a way to make life worth living and enjoyable, no matter how much, or how little functionality, or whatever his condition. How affirmative is that? This is clearly a man that loves life and appreciates life.

                So today, my uncle’s birthday, I celebrate my Uncle Joe, one of the true greats. I hope you have someone as dear and precious in your life, supporting you along this journey. I am so grateful to have him in my life.