It's strange to think that someone is gone... Saturday, our family suffered an incredible loss. Uncle Johnny was a staple of my childhood. I can remember being so excited to travel to see him. My sister and I were in awe of the fact that he was a real life cow-boy, twirly mustache and all. He was soft spoken and gentle, yet rode his horses with such passion. One of my earliest memories if being bucked off the back of "old Bosevous" and Uncle Johnny yelling run as he tried to get the horse under control. It was also my first encounter with barbed wire as it was my only escape to safe land :) Those were some battle wounds I spoke proudly of for many years to come! We shot a gun for the first time there, avoided water moccasins and learned what cow patties were (and the devastating effects they had on brand new shoes)! I got my first black eye and bloody lip while visiting as on a dare, I climbed the forbidden stairs which led to the scariest bedroom attic ever to be. They were incredibly steep and I tumbled down them head first!
As we got older, our trips consisted of countless hours of hide and go seek on his wrap around porch being afraid of the critters that lurked in the yard. My sister and I experienced our first (and thank God only) encounter with ticks which led to tears and hysteria from us and belly laughs from Uncle Johnny as he removed them from our legs. We later learned the importance of tucking your pants into your socks when anywhere other than in the house! We would sit for hours watching the Venus fly trap eat flies on his kitchen table and indulging in some of the most amazing southern food you'd ever taste. During one trip, I ate a half of a home made cheesecake by myself. I got so sick I couldn't even look at cheesecake for years!
My last memory of my Uncle Johnny was when I was a young teenager. Sadly, it was my last trip to see him. He had "acquired" two raccoons. They ate from his garbage and he made quick friends with them! He built them a place to live with tree's to climb and a home that they would be safe in. They would come to him, climb into his arms and take things out of his pockets (I can remember gum being their favorite). It was such a testament to they kind of man he was. Amazing...
Last Saturday he lost his battle with cancer. He found out only a few short months ago, but it was aggressive and came on quickly. It breaks my heart to think that I will never have the opportunity to introduce him to my kids, or my husband. I am so angry with myself for never having done so in the past. I haven't been able to stop thinking about how often I take things like this for granted. There is so much I want to do, so many people I need to take the time to let know how much I love them. It goes to show, seize the moment today because tomorrow is never promised.
Anyhow... for now, I will end with an I love you all... We love you all...
Please say a prayer for Aunt Brenda... She is going threw more than a person should have to handle.
