This was a tough week. The type of week you get news that your never expect to get.
It was a little before 7:00 on Monday, and we were just about to go watch Bri in her color guard performance at the basketball game. I got a text pop up in my phone letting me know that, sadly, Uncle Chet had passed away earlier that afternoon.
I was stunned. Shocked. Silent.
It has been a rough year so far - Dad Number Two passed away. Mom had a heart attack. And now this.
I just couldn't believe it. Uncle Chet was an amazing man. An inspiration. A person I modeled teaching after. I had heard stories about his time as a teacher and principal and even worked with people who had him.
The news was quite a blow.
I went to the wake this past Thursday. There were loads of great pictures. I saw Uncle Jim, Steve, Jim Jr. and other relatives I hadn't seen in years, like Ann Marie, Bruce, Adam, and Laura, before talking to Michael, Peter, Elizabeth, and Aunt Jan. I even spoke with a person who worked with Uncle Chet years ago. Though a sad occasion, there was a simple uplifting feeling being in that room...one that said that Uncle Chet is alive in well and spirit and shining down on all of us.
I can still hear his infections laugh. I can see the twinkle in his eyes. And I can think of the cheer he is spreading in heaven. I will miss him - an amazing Uncle - but a lifetime of memories will live on, making me cherish every moment I had with him.
Here's to you Uncle Chet. Love you!!!
