A YEAR GONE BY ...

Is it really possible that a year has come and gone? The saying is "Time flies when you're having fun!" Have we had fun? Yes, there have been fun times ... and sad times ... and hard times, so I really think that time just flies, no matter what.

One year ago today I received a call that my Uncle Paul had passed away the night before. What sadness filled my heart! Even though, when his family looks back, they may see signs that were pointing to dwindling health, this was a sudden event.

I always enjoyed going to visit Uncle Paul and my Aunt Grace. Not that we did exciting things. We mostly just sat around and enjoyed one another. They had a way of making you feel right at home, like you belonged. At their house it was different, mostly because you followed their lead. You were up early and you went to bed somewhat early. It was always time to go to bed as soon as the News was over. You could always read in bed, but doors were locked, tv turned off , lights turned out... time to retired.

But what impressed my most is how Uncle Paul loved Aunt Grace.

They were married for 62 years.

It's amusing , the stories you hear when someone passes on. One story that caught my ear and my heart was the story of how Uncle Paul had sold his car to buy my Aunt Grace a wedding ring. But, most of all, it is the recent memories of Uncle Paul and Aunt Grace together, that tug at my heart strings. Memories of early mornings, near 6 am, sitting on the back porch swing, drinking coffee and holding hands, watching the birds and talking about their day ahead. The smiles exchanged, the kind words. How he loved her!

He was a great example. He was loving and kind. He had a great sense of humor. He is missed tremendously.