Sunday, April 15, 2012
Aunt Marie and Chris,
I really wish I could be there with you today. Uncle James meant a lot to me just like he meant a lot to everyone in the family and I have many great memories of him.
Over the past couple days I have thought a lot about him and every time I do I smile at the many great times that were shared with him. Friends have offered many comforting words, all the assorted cliches that we use to try to get through these difficult times but some of them are so true and the one thing that I was told that has brought a lot of comfort is how a person is always alive as long as we think about them and talk about them. Thinking about him, it is easy to feel him close by.
The image I keep getting in my head is just of him smiling and laughing and making everyone around him smile and laugh as well. I am sure you will hear it a thousand times from everyone, how he made us all feel special. How he was a true gentleman, and so easy to talk to. He listened. He cared. He only offered advice if you asked for it and it was always good advice. I remember him always shaking my hand. He was the only Uncle who ever did that. I remember his wit and his stories.
He was my favorite. I was telling that to someone else the other day and we agreed he was all of our favorites.
I am so sorry that I am not there with you today. Please know that I am thinking of you and praying for you both.
I look forward to seeing you the next time that I am home.
Love always,
Michael
