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May 17, 2006
Death in the Family
My uncle died yesterday. We were very close. He was suffering from brain and lung cancer, and his time was finally up. I wrote briefly about him during one of my Debbie Downer Drinking Days posts. I got to see him one last time in February, and I am at peace with that. For some reason, he always called me "Tigger". He was a great man.
So d'bud gets to go to a funeral on Friday, woo-hoo! I don't really go to that many funerals. In fact, I have only been to two. I've also been to one wake and one memorial service. I guess not many people close to me have died. Plus, I find the whole open casket thing revolting.
One of the funerals I attended was for Rob's grandmother back in '99. She was always very sweet to me. She knew we were fudgepackers, and was totally cool with it. She always called me CJ. I didn't have the heart to correct her.
Her funeral was on a cold, rainy day in Yonkers, NY. Some woman went to put a rose on her casket and slipped and fell in the mud. It was pretty funny.
My uncle's funeral is going to be a family reunion of sorts. Six of my dad's brothers and sisters are gonna be there with all of their kids. Ugh, I really don't like hanging out with my extended family. I don't have much in common with them and rarely ever see them. I'm the only out homosexual in the family. My mom loves to parade me around for everyone to view. I start to feel like I'm Amish or something cuz they all stare, point and take pictures. Whatever, I'm going cuz I love my uncle and want to show my appreciation. Plus, there will be lots of free food.
This also means that I will have to wear a suit. I haven't worn a suit in years. I hope I still have one. I'll make sure to take a picture cuz this sort of thing only happens once in a great while, sorta like Haley's Comet or something.
A good friend of mine called me yesterday and told me she has Melanoma, and may have to undergo chemotherapy. Is it just me, or is there a lot of death, disease and depression going around? I've been doing great since I dealt with some of my issues, but I notice a lot of friends and fellow bloggers are dealing with some heavy shit. Maybe there is something in the water? Maybe 2006 is just a bad year? I dunno.
Anyway, I'm gonna throw some positive energy out into the universe. If I can get through the rough times, anyone can.
And that is your d'bud affirmation for the day. Don't you feel better already?
Posted by durban bud at May 17, 2006 10:54 AM
Comments
sorry to hear that your uncle is gone, but with peace knowing he will no longer suffer. he was a good man.....was a great match with your aunt (who WILL get through this....she has lots of spunk)
he did call you tigger, and you hated being called that from anyone but him. such a laid back man....and funny.
if you need anything...i'm here.
xoxo
Posted by: pam at May 17, 2006 01:27 PM
So sorry to hear about Gerry, Teej. He fought an amazing fight. Our condolences to your family. ~Ken & Don
Posted by: Ken at May 17, 2006 11:29 PM
I am so sorry to hear about that. I feel so bad for you and your parents you guys have been through so much in the last couple of years. Call me today...
HUGS
Posted by: TOS at May 18, 2006 07:51 AM
and they wonder why I don't tell my mother. Sorry for your loss hope the funeral is at least a reunion that makes people feel better about being related.
Posted by: tim at May 18, 2006 09:17 AM
And never forget that the first three letters in the word 'funeral' spell "F-U-N!" I always find it nice to see relatives and friends I haven't seen in a while at FUNerals.
Posted by: jimbo at May 18, 2006 10:28 AM
...oh, and it is a bad year. A friend of mine once said, "I only have to go on antidepressants during Republican administrations."
Posted by: jimbo at May 19, 2006 05:46 PM