Uncle Robert

This past week my family suffered another heartache. My beloved Uncle Robert died on Monday very unexpectedly. Above is a picture of him with his granbaby Zoe. Uncle Robert has always been a father to my father. My Dad's father suffered from mental illness and addictions and left when my Dad was 2. My Grandma Jean had several brothers, but Dad was always closest to Robert. In this stage of my Dad's life my Uncle Robert not only served as his "Dad" but as his best friend. If my Dad was working on a project, Uncle Robert was right there. They went to Buckwheat cake dinners, out to restaurants, etc. My Dad accompanied him to doctor's appts. My Uncle Robert and my Dad are very much the same. They are incredibly hard workers, honorable God-fearing men, talented, and quiet. They would give you the shirt off their back. If you were working on a project and needed help you wouldn't even have to ask. They would be there.

I will never forget when we were building my house, my contractor screwed so much up. It was a mess. Marty and I were complaining to Dad. His response: "Don't worry Uncle Robert and I will be there." They were there the next day. My Uncle Robert fixed every mistake.

My Uncle Robert loved to fish. He drove cross country to Alaska twice in the past five years to fish. How many guys in their last stage of life would do that? His daughters found poetry he had written. He was an accomplished carpenter. He even was awarded a letter of commendation for his carpentry work. He has worked on famous parks, bridges, and tunnels all over the United States. He has lived an amazing life. He was quite the Renaissance man!

When Marty's Dad died, he came to the funeral home. When my aunt Louise went to the nursing home, he always went to see her. He was always "there". He has taught me what family is supposed to mean.

We had "open eulogy" at his funeral this weekend. My Dad and I gave eulogies as did some of my uncles. So many were touched by his life and his love. In the words of my Dad, "There will never be another Robert Thomas."

As Marty and I sat through this service and heard some of the same songs we heard two months ago, it was as if someone ripped off the band-aid to reveal an everpresent gaping wound. To see my husband's heart break and then two months later see my Dad's heart break has nearly done me in. I can only rest in God's presence and thank Him for blessing me with wonderful men in my life.

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."