Bittersweet

Last weekend Jonathan, my mom and sister, J.J., and I piled into our Prius and drove to Kentucky to visit my uncle, cousin, and her family. My uncle Ricky is fighting liver cancer, and he is one of the dearest men in my life. My cousin Kaylen and I grew up in the same home with my mother, aunt, and uncle. All of my best childhood memories are from the years in Colorado when we all lived together. Memories of my aunt and uncle. My aunt has been gone for 9 years as of this month. My grandfather followed my aunt three years after her death, and my grandmother passed three years after his death. Now, three years after my grandmothers death, 6 years after my grandfather, and 9 after my aunt, my uncle is gravely ill. My family is devastated to say the least.
Despite the bitter occasion for this family gathering, we enjoyed one another's company. We recorded my uncle telling stories from our childhoods, stories we've heard hundreds of times but wanted to have in digital form to cherish after he's gone. We played Quelf and Charades, and laughed a lot. It was good to be there to support my cousin, who is caring for her father day and night. I'm proud of you, Kaylen. Wish we were there to help you.
My uncle and his girls J.J. loving on Alex under the table
The trips there and back were amusing, if for no other reason than to see the crowded backseat. J.J. was sprawled all over my mom, who was squished in between him and Amanda. They were real troopers - didn't complain at all that they could barely move and had dog slobber all over them. 6 hours is a long time to sit in that condition! If you have any prayers or positive thoughts to spare, please send them our way. My uncle is thankfully still with us, but we know that it is only a matter of time. Waiting is tough, especially from a distance. Uncle Ricky - You are still "Bad to the Bone"