My uncle Ed
On January 17th my uncle Ed passed away from pancreatic cancer. It hit hard and fast. Apparently he felt ill over Christmas but managed until December 30th when he went to see a doctor. After multiple tests they found stage 4 cancer and gave him 6-18 months. From there it went down hill fast until his passing on January 17th. Next month he would have been married to my aunt Debbie (my dads sister) for 40 years. (They have been together my entire life).
To be honest I didn't really know him. I mean I saw them probably quarterly when I was a kid but the kids played in one room and the adults sat and talked in another. I did know he liked to fish as my papa Jack also liked to fish. They went to Disney every year, so I remember hearing stories about that and dreaming of the day I would go. We spent time with them at my grandmas cottage annually near Sauble Beach but again the adults did their thing and the kids played separately. In my teen years we visited much less and when my parents divorced and I went on to my own adult life even less still. I do remember my parents going to Memphis with them on a road trip one year. My mom said my uncle loved to drive the scenic route...which was apparent in his stories that were told this past weekend. (My parents are not long drive type people so I bet that was enjoyable for everyone)!
However, the end goal was Elvis so... I am sure it worked out.
I learned yesterday that he was a welder, loved gardening, specifically his roses, he was a steak and potatoes type person, he adored his kids and from time to time the slot machines called him.
I think my grandma was thankful that I was there, my cousins Christina and Pamela played host (of course having their up's and downs), while my aunt went in and out of comprehension as people spoke with her. My cousin Trevor needed space from all the people so I really didn't talk with him much.
I am sure they will all be lost without him.
Moments like these make you take some time to realize how precious life is and to enjoy every gifted day we have!