Be back soon ......

Seajay · 03-01-2011, 05:49 AM

Some have e mailed me recently as to why my posts have stopped on IRV2 recently. For those who care here is the reason.

Willa and I are in Florida, something over six hundred miles from home. About two weeks ago my aunt informed me that my 87 year old uncle was in the hospital intensive care ward. Paul was a WW2 Navy vet and he was more a ''big brother'' to me than an uncle. I have known this man as far back as my memory goes. My mom told me that Paul helped teach me to walk when he lived with them for a time. Paul was an ever present person in my life and I grew to love and respect him. Paul was a tall man, perhaps six three and around two sixty in weight. He had a large presence and was kind as a kitten until you made him mad and then you had a hand full of ''lions tail'' and you had better be pretty tough. A good, honest, loving man that would give you a handshake as a promise that was better than a contract from a Philadelphia lawyer.
I believe he loved me like a son he never had and I truly loved him like a big brother that I never had. He was always full of fun and adventure. He believed in living life to the fullest. He would come by and get me and we would go to the lake together. He turned his boat over to me when I was about twelve and he taught me to water ski and enjoy life to the fullest. We had many great adventures together down at the lake and down at the ocean. We ''boat camped'' in the lake and down at the ocean on the outer banks many times. Fishing during the day and a campfire and ghost stories at night. Exploring the sand islands during the day and endless fun all the time. There are a million memories that were made with ''Uncle Paul and me'' and maybe someday I will be able to relate some of them to you guys. When Willa and I got married I took her down to his lake house for an introduction. He was very happy for me finding someone that I could love but he honestly could not figure what Willa seen in me. We laughed about this and I warned him that My Willa had fallen in love with him of course...... I told him that I had deliberately waited until she and I were married before I brought her down to see him because I didn't want to lose her to him and his charm.

Paul died about a week ago but he is still very much alive in my memory. He was a good friend and I shall always remember him.

Since then I have spent some ''alone time'' just out in the boat sitting on a sand bar and remembering. Sometimes I will take the puppies and we will just go ride the backwaters around the camp ground. Willa is giving me a lot of ''slack'' on this and letting me handle it in my own way. It still hurts to lose a friend and Paul was my last uncle. Paul was my ''rock'' to lean on if need be and, like a rock, I knew he was always there for me. He will be very much missed in my life and the world is a sadder place without him in it.

On my mothers side of the family there were five boys and three girls and Paul was the youngest and last of the brothers and sisters. They are all dead now and I feel that I have lost a last connection with my past. On Dads side of the family there were three brothers and two sisters and they have all passed now. As you can see I have cousins out the wazoo and they are scattered all over the USA now. Life is strange as we grow older.

I will be back on line in the not too distant future when I get my head on straight again. You guys be safe and don't let our Marine friends get in trouble or buy no bridges till I get back to ''watch over them''.....

Lets all ask some one important to bring our troops home really soon.....

blackf3504dr · 03-01-2011, 06:19 AM

Seajay, I know nothing anyone can say will ease the pain. I lost my dad in '97 and still miss him more then anyone can know. Time will heal the hurt but the memories will never go away, your uncle will always be with you in these memories.

hondo122 · 03-01-2011, 08:36 AM

Seajay, our prayers are with Paul, Willa and you. Time will heal all the pain and you will still have wonderful memories.

StStg1 · 03-01-2011, 09:20 AM

Seajay, our hearts and prayers are with You and Willa. Time heals all.

Midniteoyl · 03-01-2011, 10:15 AM

Sorry to hear... But do not feel sad for those that have moved on to a better place.. rejoice.

mick · 03-01-2011, 12:40 PM

Character to me is what a person does in the toughest of times. Unforunately we all face crisis like these. My heart felt feelings are with you and your family members, personally I wish there were something I could do, but alas there is not.

May God go with you and yours.

Wayne M · 03-01-2011, 03:23 PM

CJ,
Our heart felt sympathies are with you during this time. If there is anything you need, or just want to chat, you have my number - call me.

Take care friend.

mikron · 03-01-2011, 04:10 PM

Seajay, our condolences to you and your family. I am sure the man you say your uncle was his God has him under his wing. Your uncle is with all his buddys in a better place.

dajudge · 03-01-2011, 05:13 PM

I know how you feel SEAJAy. I lost my only brother in 1966, my dad in 97 and my mom in 02. You never forget, just remember fond memories. You have my deepest condolences and my prayers.

akadeadeye · 03-01-2011, 05:34 PM

Try to replace the hurt with feelings of celebration that he was the man he was and that he was in your life and you were in his.

With sympathy,

Don

**NLOVNIT** · 03-01-2011, 05:38 PM

It's a harsh reality when the last of one's parents' generation passes leaving you to understand YOUR generation is now at the head of the line for the next trip to The Pearly Gates.

The memories you have will help you heal & know that he & others before him will always be with you in your heart. Take all the time you need, we'll be here when you're ready.

With sympathy,
Lori-

Irover · 03-01-2011, 05:59 PM

In the Arms Of The Angels, that is where they be. Never met my Grand Parents, My Mom, 1967, me 16. My Dad, 1981, me 30. My Oldest Brother 1989, me 38. And My Bestest Brother 2006, me 55 and his memory carries on with our 1988 TravelMaster Motor home which Is worn out like me. How do you say: I guess, Carry-on until we meet again!! In the Arms Of The Angels!! Until they come to carry me home. Irover