Loss...

In one instant life has changed for my family...My dad has lost a brother, his only brother, his only sibling...My grandma lost a son...We lost an uncle...And my cousins lost their dad...

I can't quite express the magnitude of loss I am feeling right now. And many of us are. Jerry has left behind family and friends that will always carry love for him. He was an amazing uncle. I will always cherish the memories I have of him and it will take some time for me to come to terms with the fact that I won't see him again. My heart breaks all over again when I look at my dad and realize he will never be able to call his brother again, won't be able to share their love of fishing and hunting even once more. And it breaks even more when I remember what it felt like to be with my grandma as we told her that her son was gone. And more when I think of my cousins...thankfully old enough that they will always remember him, but still too young to lose their father. I will be making the trip to Texas for his memorial and I realize it is far too soon for this. I was planning a trip in May to watch my middle cousin graduate. This was going to be my first trip out to visit them, I'm finally able to take vacation and afford a trip down there...I never expected my first trip to visit them would be to say goodbye to my uncle. A heavy reminder to seize life and never let a moment pass me by.

I'm devastated, but I am aware he is in a better place. He and my grandpa Bob are together now, watching over us and sharing their love.

So in this time of loss I am remembering the moments we shared...

...the time in Laramie he took me riding down a country road I had never been down before. We came across a dead cow and he assured me this was the way of life. Five years ago when he and my dad brought Scott hunting with them for the first time. I came to visit for a night and he showed me how to lose with dignity as he beat me at Cribbage. The night before my wedding he told me he was so happy that I had found someone, and someone like Scott that he knew was right for me. Five months ago as we celebrated a milestone for my dad, shared a beer and cheered to the life and family we had. He was a good Uncle and I will always miss him for just that. Here's to you Uncle Jerry, thanks for being you!