Uncle Glen

Uncle Glen passed away a while ago-he fought the good fight against cancer, but ultimately he lost the battle. He approached his death with a stoicism and courage that I find quite amazing, not too sure I could. Uncle Glen lived a full and interesting life, some tragedy and much triumph. The turnout at the funeral was enormous with a large family section: the Legion was pretty much standing room only! I think he smiled that slight smile he had at the number of people who came to say good-bye. Uncle Glen and I were not close, and my goodness the two of us had a lot in common, but I don't think either of us knew it! He loved his cabin and trap line-I love that kind of thing too. He loved Louis Lamour books I have nearly all of them. OK, he was a dog person, and I am a cat person, but he loved his dog Roxy beyond all reason...it is fitting they will be interred together. He loved his family and the readings at the funeral were wonderful the girls did a really good job. It had to be hard for them. His passing has left a gigantic hole in their live, much like when my father passed away suddenly, and my daughter passed away- I grieved...and I still do. I would ask that NO-ONE tell Corrine or anyone else for that matter that-it's time- they need to move on. When a loved one dies we KNOW we need to move on and put it behind us, but sure don't need anyone tell us that. We don't need to be told -gee it's been 6 months or a year you should be over it by now. Grief takes it's own time-it just takes as long as it takes. It lessens, but never completely goes away. People grieve in different ways-some crawl into a shell, some do not. As a society we are uncomfortable with peoples grief, and often avoid being around the person left behind, not sure what to do or what to say, not wanting to make things worse. In Auntie Corrine's case I know her children will support her all the way and at the same time give her space when she needs it. I guess my point is this-we all need to live our lives as we want and give others the same consideration-apologize when needed, laugh when we can, cry without feeling guilty of our emotions-live with gusto (it's a good word)! Uncle Glen lived with gusto! He worked hard side by side with his wife to provide for his family and they turned out with a good solid work ethic, some with the same quirky sense of humor their dad had, and an appreciation for family and friends.