Friday night my mother's oldest brother passed away in his sleep. This photo shows my mom and her brothers from an earlier time. Isn't it funny how time passes in a family and as people grow, they either stay connected or grow disconnected. I was never close with my uncle but I absolutely adored spending time with his children, my cousins, and my aunt, when I was growing up. Frankly, he scared me. I was afraid of his gruff manner and short temper. I was certainly never connected to the chuckling man with wavy blonde hair who was my uncle. However, when one passes it makes you think. Who was that person, really ? Were they sad at times, happy with memories, bitter with pain? Was it hard for them to let people into their life? Are they in a better place now, free from whatever inner demons plagued them? I pray that his mother, my beautiful 93-year old grandmother has comfort and those who loved this man, that I never connected with, feel peace. And although I cannot ...
