Sunday, August 26, 2007

Crying

My uncle, my dad's eldest brother, died today at 75. 

This is the death of the first sibling on my dad's or mom's side.  My dad also has two older sisters. 

We were called yesterday and told that he may not make it through the night, and in true Uncle Larry fashion, he made it through the night to pass at noon today.  Unfortunately, for the last 17 years, my Uncle has lived about 3 hours away in Upstate NY (and that is without traffic).

Uncle Larry was like a cat, no less than 9 or 10 times, family has been told to say goodbye's to him - only for him to rebound.  There was three colon cancer occurrences, and many life threatening intestinal issues.  That isn't even counting the 5 critical motorcycle accidents throughout his life!

Most brought on by Uncle Larry and his hard living ways.  Drinking, smoking, partying, womanizing, riding motorcycles, and in general, not listening to any doctors orders.

In the end, it was his refusal to stop smoking, with the emphysema he has been battling for about 7 years, that took its final toll!!

One thing I will say way about my Uncle, he knew his flaws, accepted the consequences of his flaws, and was unapologetic about them. 

And, he was about as opposite of my dad as a person could get!  Which was kind of fun to watch!  lol

Growing up, Uncle Larry did live nearby with #2 of his three wives, and he was a fun Uncle.  He loved to spoil me, and was always like a mobile party being around him.  At Christmas time, he and my aunt spent many nights sleeping over.  Christmas morning when my parents would be busily cooking for the two families descending later in the day (20-30 some years), Uncle Larry would be assembling my toys, and playing with me non-stop!

Uncle Larry always bought me the biggest most obnoxious toy that I wanted that year, you know the one, the one your parents said 'NO' to getting?  Yup... he would always show up with it!!! 

I will never forget the year with the Barbie Townhouse, three stories tall, with a working elevator!!!!  It took my uncle probably 4 hours to get that elevator to work right, but he did it!!!  And, he was my hero as always!!!

Today, while we are waiting in a limbo to hear what the arrangements will be, and when, we are doing our best to remember his life, because that is what he did best! 

Living full and hard!!!

Until we meet again on the Other Side... I hope Uncle Larry is riding his hog, having a scotch, and has a pretty woman on his arm.

be well,
Dawn

ps.  Roy Orbison was one of my Uncle's favorites, and for a while he managed a Roy impersonator/singer who was really great!

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this Dawn, please accept my condolences. May God grant your family peace as they deal with this over the days to come.
God bless,
Sugar

Anonymous said...

Dawn, I am so sad to hear of your loss. My condolence to your family. Your Uncle sure sounded like a fun guy !  You have many wonderful memories of him, I'm sure he's partying his way through the golden gates !
Be well, and God Bless
E.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of your loss but you are remembering him just how it sounds like he wanted to be !!!  Keep those great memories close !  

Anonymous said...

Dawn, you've given us a picture of what your Uncle Larry was like and we can also see why he was such fun to have around, he sure lived his life to the full!  I'm sure the whole family will miss him, and his fun ways, terribly.  That is a lovely tribute to your uncle.  May he rest in peace.  Love, Pat   http://journals.aol.co.uk/pm71blackfen/ramblings-from-pat/

Anonymous said...

Sad news hearing about the loss of your Uncle Larry. You have some fond and wonderful memories of a man who knew how to live life to it's fullest! Keeping you and your family in my prayers on the smoke in this time of mourning. (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

{{{{{{{Dawn}}}}}}}  Uncle Larry sounds wonderful... and sounds like he had a full life.  I'm glad you shared it with us.  I am so sorry for your loss and will be sending prayers and good thoughts your way.
love ya friend
d

Anonymous said...

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.  LInda

Anonymous said...

Sorry about your uncle but cherish the time you had with him.  My fun uncle got married about 15 years ago and no one has seen him since!  He literally left the famly but at least you had your uncle for a long time and you have great memories of him!  Maybe you should make a family scrapbook so you can remember all those things!  It would be kind of a neat way of remembering him and a way of telling future grandkids about him, I think!  Again, I'm sorry.  I'm here if you want to talk!  -Dawn-

Anonymous said...

Roy Orbison? I ain't heard that name in a while!
Gaz x

Anonymous said...

Sorry for you loss. Uncle Larry sounds like a hell raiser, most live hard know how to party and check out pretty quickly when the time comes. Telling his story is the best way to keep him alive in memory....love, Sandi

Anonymous said...

Dawn,
I am saddened to learn of your loss. If it's any consolation, your uncle sounds as if he lived life in the fast lane and to the full. I wish you and yours strength in coming to terms with this loss.

Guido

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss.  It sounds like he had a fun full life!!
Gillie

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayer are with you and yours! Take care,
Katie

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear of this, Dawn but your Uncle Larry should did know how to live life.  Maybe not the life most would choose but one he loved.  Sounds like he was the bestest uncle in the world to you.  My prayers are with your family.  Big HUGS  Chris

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle. He sounded like a good man who liked to have fun. My prayers to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear about your loss. Will keep your family in prayer.
God bless you.
Barb- http://journals.aol.com/barbpinion/FROMBARBSSPIRITUALJOURNALS.

Anonymous said...

Great tribute to your uncle!  May he rest in peace.  I am sorry for your loss.
Traci

Anonymous said...

Donna, I like your description of Uncle Larry. He sounds a lot like me, even down to the smoking, I am 76 years old, I think he and I could have had some fun together. May he rest in peace, Bill

Anonymous said...

how awesome to remember your uncle like that...  :)   The Barbie Townhouse...oh my gosh....  

~Amy

Anonymous said...

Beautiful entry and tribute to your uncle!!  Wonderful memories you have, hold on to them!!  May he rest in peace!! Prayers to the family he left behind.

Joann

Anonymous said...

Donna, I am so very sorry for your loss of your uncle Larry. He sounded like a lively person and a very caring uncle. I know you and your family will miss him terribly, but he is in a far better place now...with no suffering or pain...
God bless,
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,

Please accept my condolences in the passing of your Uncle. You seemed to have loved him a lot and you can tell he was very special to you. I will be lifting you and your family up in this of remberance.

Blessings,
Donna

http://journals.aol.com/ladymagnolia1963/ladymagnolias-daily-blog/

Anonymous said...

Dawn, please accept my condolences on the passing of your Uncle, Hugs Lisa

Anonymous said...

Wonderful tribute Dawn.  Please accept my sympathies and condolences for your loss.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Hugs,
D
http://journals.aol.com/heavenlybama/journey-to-success

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful tribute to your dear uncle. I know he is smiling down at you and the family. God Bless. ((((((hugs)))))))
Cindy

Anonymous said...

It's easy to see how special he was to you and you to him.  And he had great taste in music!  May God comfort you and your family through this loss.  - Barbara

Anonymous said...

It sounds like your Uncle Larry was a very special person, he lived for the moment.  I love people like that, and it also sounds like he had a great fondness in his heart for a special little girl.  I'm so sorry about your loss, you have lots of great memories.  Sugar sent me over.  Joni

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your Uncle. I love Roy Orbison.
Love,
Kat

Anonymous said...

Hi Dawn,

I posted on here earlier. But I got this in my e-mail, and it seemed to fit with how you felt with  your Uncle. I pray it speaks to your heart.

Celestial Staircase To Heaven http://goodtimes2.com/celestial_staircase.htm

Blessings,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Dawn, you have spoken so well of your uncle!  I see your love in the words you have written. I will be praying for you and your family.  Love, Penny  http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/FromHeretoThere http://journals.aol.com/firestormkids04/TimeforaLittlePoetry

Anonymous said...

{{{Dawn}}} What a beautiful tribute to your Uncle. I'm so sorry. I have you and your family in my prayers.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Grrrrrrrrrrr didn't seem to get this alert,just popped over from Sugars post.I am so sorry to read of your Uncle's passing  Dawn.Please accept my condolances and may perpetual light shine upon him.God be with you all, at this sad time.He sounded a great guy who you had good times with.Take care God Bless Kath
astoriasand http://journals.aol.co.uk/astoriasand/MYSIMPLERHYMES

Anonymous said...

That was perfectly written.  My dad has no siblings left ...or even any sibling spouses now.  Death can be such a bastard!

Missed you.

xxxxx
Russ

Anonymous said...

what a beautiful tribute to a very special person in your life...I do believe he has got to be on a HOG going wild in Heaven...Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.....his life sounds like it was tested but lived with every last drop of energy he had...that is a GRAND life...
take care
-Ellie

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your uncle passing. Sounds like you have lots of wonderful memories of him and it sounds like he lived life the way he wanted what better way to live it. It worked for him. I love that he played the uncle role well by making sure to get you every toy your parents said NO to. Now that's a true uncle almost as good as having a grandparent that does that (halo slipping a little there). Blessings to you and your family.
Take care, Chrissie

Anonymous said...

He sounds like a really cool guy to know.
Kudos to him fo r fixing that elevator. I had the very same problems with that house so I know whereof I speak. My hat's off to Uncle Roy.
Love
Marti

Anonymous said...

So Sorry to read of your Uncle Larry's passing. It sounds like he lived his life exactly the way he wanted, gave abundant love, and will be remembered fondly.  What more can anyone ask?  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as Uncle Larry rides off to HOG Heaven.  
                                Blessings,  Leigh


   

Anonymous said...

Your uncle was certainly a unique charcter.  His own man.  That's to be admired.  
My condolences to you and your family.  You will miss him sorely but you have great memories with which to keep him alive in your minds.
God Bless
Jeanie

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about the lost of your Uncle.  Please know that I am praying for you and your family.  Hugs.  Tish G.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to here about your uncle. You will always remember him with a smile and tender memories.
love and hugs
Katie

Anonymous said...

((( hugs ))) and thinking of you in the loss of your uncle.  it sounds like he "died with his boots on ... " one of my favorite phrases, and how i hope to die, myself ... having lived according to one's own rules.  with thoughts of you & your family,

Anonymous said...

Sending hugs your way.  I'm so sorry!
Missie

Anonymous said...

((((((((gentle hugs dearheart))))))))
loving you
karyl

Anonymous said...

Hey Dawn! Its me, Julie-----Im still in the Azores-will be flying back next Sunday to California.. I am at the computer at my cousin's house reading some entries.  I read a few now and then---Im sorry to hear about your uncle! So sorry..  By the way you described him, he was a very devoted uncle.  You have been blessed.  Take care---hugs to you--see u back in Jland soon!  Julie

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about your Uncle passing on.  I love the tribute and the vision you have of him in Heaven.  De ;)

Anonymous said...

sorry for you lost but it sounds like he had one hell of a life. my brother was like a cat a few times then he finally passed away peacefully.

Anonymous said...

Dawn, he lead a ful life, no one could say her didn't. What ever you do, celebrate Uncle Larry's life.
Big Hugs, Gaz xxx

Anonymous said...

i am so sorry about your uncle Dawn but he sounds like he had a great life:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your uncle and I will keep you in my prayers!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

He sounds like a great guy and the best Uncle! Nice tribute. --Cin

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry I'm just now getting to this entry.  I am so sorry for your loss.  He sounds like a wonderful uncle, full of life and fun.  My sympathies to you and your family.
Lori

Anonymous said...

so sorry Dawn!
please accept my prayers and deepest condolences!
love,nat

Anonymous said...

Hee hee... I smile not to mock but in respect for a life well lived and the grand memories he forged with you. He sounds like the uncle I would have loved to be if I'd had more than one niece, who spent her growing days in Japan. Hang tight to the memories and give life hell once in awhile for Uncle Larrry. This must have been a tough blow for your dad's family, losing the first sibling is a rough blow.

till next time Dear Dawn.

Michael

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