07/01/2021
The first people you learn to love unconditionally are cousins, aunts, and, uncles. The first people you’re around all of the time. Your parents old family learning how to embrace their new families while still staying together and close. They’re also the people you grow apart from first; lose touch, care about dearly but don’t know anything about anymore. Yesterday we celebrated the life of my Uncle John. A man I’ve loved before I remember feeling love. His family is mourning an amazing father. My father and uncle have lost an amazing brother. So many times of laughing, playing video games with Jacquelyn and me (my love for donkey Kong country will be everlasting), watching John play soccer with Christopher, playing phase 10 at New Years, parties at Mikeys and Aimees, and his undying hard core love of the Steelers. So much so that he was holding one at his wake; which was perfect and fitting. Yesterday we celebrated the way John lived, how many lives he’s touched, and how many lives now carry on without him.
Yesterday was also my birthday. And sometimes that’s just how the cookie crumbles. It may have been the first time was together for a cousin birthday in over 15 years. It was something to smile about. The true meaning of a funeral is not to be sad (although we all are); it’s to honor and remember and come together. It’s a day to celebrate life. May your afterlife be as full and grand as your life was.
(Somehow these are the only photos I got. It was very high on my list to get some too)