A Family Concern

I speak on the phone or via email to my cousin at least once every two weeks and here of late, daily. My favorite uncle went in for an operation for a colon problem and it turned out that the surgeon had to take most of his intestines as they were cancerous. His liver has two cancerous tumors on it and that does not bode well. He is 82. When my husband and I went down to see everyone for Thanksgiving last year; it was with great happiness that I saw my aunt and him. We smiled and hugged and it was a happy reunion. During the time we were there, I spent some enjoyable time having lunch with my aunt while my cousin was looking for a parking place. Then we three got together and chatted. I felt very relaxed and happy.

While we women were at the mall, Greg and Uncle Jack were together along with Cindy's son, Christopher, babysitting Chris's kids. We were all laughing about those three guys looking after the chldren. Aunt Margie smiled at me and said that Greg was holding the baby. I smiled back.

When we returned, I had a nice conversation with Uncle Jack and he told me that he had flown into Cannon AFB when he was in the Air Force and that the airplane ran into alot of turbulence because it was so hot, coming in on the runway. He showed me the medal that Chris had gotten for his grandfather as two generations spending time at the DMZ. I believe that Chris also was in the Air Force at that time. I was impressed with this and proud of Chris for him doing this.

When I was growing up, I spent time with my girl cousins during summers; wherever they lived. Be it Tyler or Jonesboro, Ark or St Louis, MO or Kansas City, KS. There were fun and gay times growing up during those days having fun with my cousins. I went to concerts and dances at the country club with my cousin, Cindy who was close to my age as well as later on, when Becky fixed me up with a blind date to go to dinner and movie with.

It saddens me to think of my favorite uncle Jack suffering. He had to have two units of blood. He was on a respirator but recently taken off and is in intensive care. Extended family has been called in. I have to wonder what my aunt thinks - how she's doing. There must be some concern that he may not make it. I am very sad. It feels too early to lose him. I wanted to continue to get to know him and ask questions about his life.

He was a very successful man, working for Equifax. He was distinguished looking. I could tell when we last saw him, that he felt like I had done well for myself in life.... working for the federal government and marrying a wonderful man. That meant alot. It meant everything. My prayers and my concern that all the angels that have been with him through his life continue to hold him and keep him and help him get through this time....