Monday morning, my mom's brother, my Uncle Jerry, passed away suddenly after suffering a heart attack. This is very difficult, following the two recent diagnosis of cancer and surgeries for my Granny and my Aunt Judy, that our family has faced since
Christmas.
Last night, I took some time to write down a few memories that I never want to forget. Uncle Jerry is my crazy, fun, wild uncle. I always remember him laughing and cutting up. He had an infectious smile and big hearty laugh. He lived at home. And Granny spoiled him - her baby boy. She did his laundry, cooked for him, and woke him up. I can still hear Granny calling him "Jerry Dean, it's time for you to wake up. You're gonna be late for work." He always slept on the couch - and had a slight fetish about no one laying on his pillow and blankets. Since he worked 3rd shift, oftentimes, he was asleep while we were there. As kids, I, along with cousins, would sometimes 'pester' him while he was asleep and run away to hide. Sometimes we even played in his bedroom - and I confess that we sometimes 'plundered' in his things on his dresser, wondering who the little valentine teddy bears came from. :) And he always had a pocket-FULL of change. And when he emptied out on the shelf in the living room - I remember, playing in all his change. I vividly recall him emerging from the bathroom after his shower without his shirt on - looking like the woolly booger he was - and the smell of his cologne infiltrating the house. Oh, how we loved to tease him. As a matter of fact, just a few weeks ago, I teased him of being 'high tech' with his blackberry cell phone. And I've always thought it unique and quite 'cool' that he had a fishing buddy named Pinky.
And although, he was a bit feisty and a little hot-headed at times, he had a big heart and loved his family. I recall him showing up at our house one Sunday afternoon while out riding his Harley Davidson. He was there for my family when my Daddy died. He came to my graduation. And if I remember correctly he was at my wedding. He adored and loved his mama (my Granny). Most recently, since Granny's surgery, his love was more evident. Roles reversed, and he stepped up and took part in caring for Granny.
Although, I never heard Jerry profess Jesus as His Savior, my earnest prayer is that in his final moments, He found God's grace sufficient and His mercy full and new Monday morning.
And Thursday, at his funeral, I'll be wearing a leather jacket in his memory.
