Uncle Alan

As I run the dust rag across the window sill I am thinking of my Uncle Alan. He installed these window sills. He hammered and caulked as he repeated his mantra, "A little putty and Paint make a carpenter what he ain't." The phone rings, it is my mom asking if I am alone. She tries to disguise the pain in her voice. I am not alone, she breaks down, the unfathomable news is delivered with sorrow and tears. I've never heard my mom so forlorned, so broken, so lost. My mind tries to understand what she has said. "Alan died this morning. We just saw him, he was fine. Now he's gone." What does that mean? It can't be true. My mind cannot comprehend the weight of these words but instead whispers, "It's a mistake, she must be wrong." I let the thoughts tumble around inside my mind. In a state of disbelief I hang up the phone.

My husband enters the room, our eyes meet as I blurt out,"My Uncle Alan's dead." Tears and sobs follow, as if my saying the words out loud have made it true. He hugs me, holds me as I cry. Who is holding Aunt Jane I wonder? Who is comforting their sons? I sit on the couch gazing through tears at the beautiful Jamestown Bay. Sun is reflecting off the water, warmth radiates from the windows. I thank God it is not the typical overcast, rainy Sitka day.

My thoughts turn to God, eternity, family and love. I pray for the peace that passes all understanding to be spread upon my family. Begging God to wrap His arms around Uncle Alan's wife, their sons, his sisters, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, all family and friends. I feel so far away but know I am connected.
Going back to the phone I call my sister, my sons, my cousin. We all share stories of Uncle Alan. He was so giving. He would give you the shirt off his back if that was what you needed. He gave my two oldest sons a job working construction one summer - if you know my sons you know that was a really big deal. He traveled all the way to Alaska to help us finish our house. He wouldn't let us put him up in a hotel but instead slept on an air mattress that we later learned not only leaked but also was peed on by our dog. NO...I can't say Uncle Alan didn't complain, but it was all in jest. He slept on that air mattress for two weeks and wouldn't have it any other way.

Less than a week ago I got to visit Uncle Alan. He didn't want to go to the Wednesday evening Bible study, said it was too boring. Some study the Word of God - others live it. My Uncle Alan lived it. Sure he would say what was on his mind - but you always knew where he stood. He wouldn't lie to you, wouldn't steal from or cheat you. He would do anything for you, give of his time, talents, even his finances. He was a true example of putting one's faith into action.

I'll miss you Uncle Alan, but I rest in the fact that you are now with our Lord in eternity. He has wiped away all your pain and sorrow. I know someday I will see you again and hear all the old stories and maybe some new ones.

I love you and thank you for all you have given to our family.