Precious Memories

Last week one of my uncles passed away.  Uncle Grad was 87 years old, he had a good life, and he was a Christian.  His health had really declined in the last few years, so knowing he is in heaven makes his passing a blessing.

He was in the Korean War, and had military honors at the graveside.  I have only witnessed this a few times and find it very touching, especially hearing Taps played and seeing the flag presented to the widow.
Following that service we all returned to the church for a little lunch.  It is good to talk and laugh following a funeral, and bring up memories!  This uncle was married to my Dad's younger sister, Esther. They had a family of 10 kids and were full of mischief.  Stories came up about my Dad, who has always been a tease.  A story we have heard before, but never tire of is that when they were young, Aunt Esther got mad at Dad for picking on her.  She threw his new coat down into the outhouse pit.  This was during the depression, so times were hard and he got into trouble for losing his coat.  She never confessed until she was married.   I'm sure he deserved that trouble though, for all he put her through!
When she was older, Dad and another brother told her they had set her up on a blind date.  When someone knocked on the door, they told her it was her date, but when she opened it, there was a short little bald man from their church, who had actually come to see their Dad.  She laughs about it now, but back then she was pretty upset!
We also heard about one night when Aunt Esther was dating Uncle Grad and they were sitting outside in the car.  Dad snuck out, opened the back door, threw a cat in and shut the door.  The cat wasn't happy and I don't think they were either.
For all the mischief and teasing, this family loves each other and have always been there when needed.  They have modeled faith, fun and what it means to be a family to the generations that follow.