Friday, December 31, 2010
There are so many great thoughts and memories that pass my mind as I think about my Uncle Gary. Over the past few days my family has had the chance to collect every possible photo we could get our hands on. We've laughed and cried. And then we tried to fit all of these dozens and dozens of pictures onto these trifold poster boards - in some sensible and crafty way - to display at his wake on Sunday. We are pretty sure that part way through this crazy job, with photos strewn all over the kitchen floor and glue that wouldn't cooperate, Gary was watching with that great smile of his crossing over his face, and he was most likely chuckling and enjoying our dilemma for us. Every photo spoke of some of the qualities of life that Gary stood by: family, humor, and the pure enjoyment of the simple things in life. As kids, we were thrilled whenever Uncle Gary would come by. He was the fun one, the one that would throw us high into the air (and mostly catch us), the one to jump first into the pool via flip, dive, or cannonball, and the one to tickle torture us kids. It's amazing that my mother made it through all of this! Gary's pride has always been his boys, Danny and Stevie. Danny and Stevie are such great, talented, smart, and funny guys. They have been the center of Gary's universe and he always spoke of them with a proud grin. Some of our favorite pictures are those where Gary is one of the few, or only, adults hanging out with the kids at parties and family gatherings. He was the happiest when he could be with Debbie and the boys. I have so many stories about Gary that I wasn't sure what I could add here. A simple expression of thanks and appreciation for all Gary has done for me over the years will have to do. Gary, I will always think of you smiling!
