My sweet Uncle Frank Bradbury passed away on 05-16-2010. When I heard the news, I was of course sad, but my next reaction was truely...good for him! Yeah for him. He has endured to the end and all is well with him again! Oh how I hunger for him to come get Mom! Is that bad?!
I couldn't attend the viewing due to my work schedule, but I was able to have the day off for the funeral. I arrived early by myself as everyone else had to work or other obligations. Linda had taken Dad to the viewing the night before as we thought it would be easier on him not to have to sit for a period of time. I greeted my sweet Aunt Joy and gave her my love! She was so at peace as I had talked to her as soon as I heard. So thankful that he didn't have to suffer any longer and the sweet blessing of having him at home! How lucky! It was so fun to see all my loved ones who I spent so much of my childhood with. Aunt Joy is my Dad's sister, but Frank's side of the family adopted us into theirs when I was very young and we spent many camping and holiday celebrations with them. I was the adopted cousin and I felt at home with each of them. Oh, how I have missed them all!
Uncle Frank had a hug for EVERYONE! Anywhere we went, he was flirting and lovin on the people who waited on or met him. And they LOVED it. He was immediately loved by all who he came in contact with, he was a tease and a flirt, and had a laugh for everyone! He just made you smile by walking in the room!
Uncle Frank and Aunt Joy are so much of my memory as a child and young adult. Uncle Frank baptised and confirmed me and maybe even blessed me. He stood where my Dad chose not to! How I love them for not only that, but for loving me and including me in so much a part of their lives. It was a perfect sleep over place and to head out camping with them was an adventure. Many trucks and trailers-many times having close to 100 of us to gather. So many cousins strung out along several tarps. Oh how we laughed and played so hard until we dropped. They taught me to fish, to hunt, to play cards and games and eat and just love and enjoy one another as family! How I want that so with my own family!
One of Robert's girls put together the most beautiful book in honor of Uncle Frank and Aunt Joy. She states in the book how she wanted Frank to have a book of pictures to look at as his memory failed him with the dreadful disease! I cried as I looked over this book. So much a part of me was etched in there as well. So lucky to have been a part of his life! I will miss you my dear sweet uncle. But I know you are with your family who you have missed so much. Tell Doug and Jeanie Hi! And all your awesome brothers! What a reunion that must have happened when you crossed the veil, I'm almost jealous!
Isn't it awesome that God places wonderful people like your uncle Frank into our lives? He probably has no idea how many people he touched in his life here on earth. I remember his happy smile and warm welcome when I went with you to their cafe and to the mountains with you. Joy was amazing as well. I hope she is watched over and comforted in the months to come.
ReplyDelete