by Pamela G.
Member since:
September 24, 2006

"I will be here..."

September 14, 2007 08:24 AM EDT (Updated: September 21, 2007 06:19 AM EDT)
views: 70 | rating: 10/10 (16 votes) | comments: 33

My uncle, my mother's baby brother,is not well. (pancreatic cancer) He left the hospital, returning to his home in NJ. He declined further treatment. 

 

I called him and told him I would come and see him. He chuckled and said he'd be there - waiting. 

 

The weight of his words did not weigh me down-instead they were uplifting. He knows, as we all should know, that tomorrow is not promised; I sensed, in his voice, a peaceful anxiousness. He is ready for whatever may happen - yet his tone of voice said," I will wait for you." 

 

He is willing to wait for me and others like me who so love him. What an honor from a man of honor...A man who... 

 

  • is married to the same woman he has known since before high school.
  • together raised three sons to adulthood
  • bought land and built a loving and lovely home in the country
  • worked until he could work no more...
  • could bake a cake from scratch at the drop of a hat

 

 This outspoken, intelligent man with a ready smile and an ever dangling cigarette, I rarely saw. Nonetheless he played and continues to play, a vital role in shaping the person I am today. He has endured more physical pain than I could imagine, yet he has promised to stand by as long as he is able. 

 

And as a very close friend told me, "You'd best get there, girl!" 

 

I only hope I am worthy of the wait.

Update is here: Farewell and Godspeed  

Best,

 

Pamela 

 

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Comments: 33

Pamela G. Sep 14, 2007, 8:31am EDT
Something New For Today!
Pamela G. Sep 14, 2007, 8:46am EDT
tamara,
TY- He's a gem!
P
Barbra L. Sep 14, 2007, 9:16am EDT
Pamela:

This is such a story of human integrity. I was very touched by the points you bulleted about his life. He sounds like the honorable person whom we all look to for examples of wisdom, courage and strength. For one as he, to accept his plight with such grace and kindness is a testament of faith.
Debbie G. Sep 14, 2007, 9:39am EDT
Pamela he sounds courageous. Your tribute to him speaks highly of you as well.
Pamela G. Sep 14, 2007, 9:42am EDT
Barbra-I feel the same way-glad I was able to convey it.

Debbie G-He's terrific...

P
Cindy F. Sep 14, 2007, 10:23am EDT
What a great tribute to a remarkable man! Blessings to your family.
Mary McCartt Sep 14, 2007, 11:13am EDT
My heart goes out to you and your family. I lost my mother to pancreatic cancer. I am sure your love and the love of his family will help to make his passing peaceful. A wonderful tribute. Make sure you tell him what he has meant in your life.
Pamela G. Sep 14, 2007, 12:48pm EDT
Cindy and Mary -

Thanks for your kind words...
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' Sep 14, 2007, 1:11pm EDT
I will pray for him...this is a wonderful tribute...Pamela this shows your love for him...
Pamela G. Sep 14, 2007, 1:32pm EDT
Bhawana-thanks!
Bonnie S. Sep 14, 2007, 1:59pm EDT
That is a nice tribute
Sheila Deeth Sep 14, 2007, 8:36pm EDT
Lovely to read about good people. Lovely tribute.
Carol Roach Sep 14, 2007, 9:02pm EDT
I will keep your uncle in my prayers, I am so sorry Pamela
Bhakta Raj Giri Sep 15, 2007, 5:29am EDT
A heart rendering tribute to your uncle. Well expressed.
Pamela G. Sep 15, 2007, 6:48am EDT
Bonnie,Sheila,Carol,Bhakta!

Thanks for your kind words and support. I appreciate you so very much.
P
Nan G. Sep 15, 2007, 1:08pm EDT
So sad but how wonderful he is.
Dena Straughn Sep 15, 2007, 2:28pm EDT
It is a horrible, painful disease, and it is amazing that his spirits are up. He is truly special. What a lovely tribute.
Janet O. Sep 15, 2007, 8:09pm EDT
Pamela, I was so sad to read about your uncle, but I find such joy in your devotion to him. Your visit will create a memory that you can keep with you forever. Blessings!
Susan *. Sep 15, 2007, 9:11pm EDT
Your article really touched me…..you have a wonderful uncle God Bless ! You have been featured in Angels Among Us
this is such a wonderful article.
I think the thoughts you were contemplating is something every thinks about once or twice or many times in their life. :)
Pamela, this is a wonderful tribute. I will say a prayer for him.
vickey w Sep 15, 2007, 10:08pm EDT
You have been blessed, but you already know this by the great article you have written. God Bless
Kathy F. Sep 16, 2007, 7:03pm EDT
Pamela what a sweet tribute. I hope you get to spend as much time as possible with him. They are gone just too, too fast. My Mom wasn't feeling good back the middle of April and she kept telling me it was just a little spring cold. It was not, it was more than that and before I could get to her (we live 300 miles apart) she was in a comma and gone within hours after I reached her. I never got to say good by in person. Don't wait too long. I'll pray for you and him.
Pamela G. Sep 17, 2007, 1:51pm EDT
Nan G-He is at that!
Dena S. - Thanks for your kind words.
Janet O-We had a wonderful visit- I am so blessed.
Susan- My goodness-what an honor to be featured!! Thanks.
Leslie- Thanks for your appreciation of the situation.
Magi- I acknowledge your kindness
Vickey- I think he would like the article but Might enjoy all of the wonderful comments as well.
Kathy F.- Your words ring true!

Love to each and every one of you,
Pamela
Sandra L. Sep 18, 2007, 9:44pm EDT
God bless your uncle and all of your family.
Pamela G. Sep 19, 2007, 6:29am EDT
Sandra-Thanks for your kind words.
P
Karoline L. Sep 19, 2007, 7:55am EDT
I love this article, it reminds me of that feeling we get sometimes that someone is watching us or near us...it is very endearing. Like that country song "I'll Wait For You"...it made me cry.
Pamela G. Sep 19, 2007, 8:26am EDT
Karoline-How very sweet. TY

Pamela
Shelly W. Sep 20, 2007, 11:51am EDT
My Message

My heart is smiling down on you,
from a golden cloud.

I will forever be watching you,
from high above.

I will be with you always,
a spirit companion
from the other side.

Floating like a ghost,
remembering what we shared
in all of eternity,
using love as our guide.

Shelly Wiseberg
Poetry of Life, 2007
Pamela G. Sep 20, 2007, 12:00pm EDT
A beautiful, beautiful work. TY.

Pamela
Lydia aka Freedom's Daughter Sep 24, 2007, 10:27pm EDT
I'm sorry for your lost Pamela, but I am glad your uncle is no longer suffering and in pain. This is an awesome tribute to his character and life.

Peace:)
Monica R. Jul 9, 2008, 3:25am EDT
What a wonderful man...with a very loving famiy...GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...
Gerd Eva Jakobsen Jul 29, 2009, 7:12pm EDT
A wonderful man, bless him and you and your family. Pamela you are remarkable

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