In Memory ...

This year marked the passing of my two uncles, two kind and gentle souls and courageous men, my mothers beloved brothers age 95 and 91. They died within a couple of months of each other after having spent a lifetime together.

The Victorian house that they grew up in was their home from birth until death. The house, pictured above, will go with them, too. The new owner plans to demolish it and build a new one on the property ~ very sad for those of us who carry memories of the family who called this house their home and such a loss of a beautiful, one-of-a-kind historic structure. It's fitting though that it go with them, as no one but my uncles and their family could ever quite belong here or make this house the home it was when it was filled with the love of those who cherished it and made their memories here.

My eldest cousin gave a moving eulogy at our uncle's memorial service that concluded with the following words by an anonymous author. These words fit our sentiments for both of our uncles so well ...

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say good-bye.
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your dedication is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
Your life was full of loving deeds,
Forever thoughtful of our special needs.
Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal.
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal.
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

Through the lives they led and all they shared our uncles taught us many wonderful qualities ~ kindness, concern for others, strength and fortitude, loyalty, faith, and love. We all felt esteemed in their presence, and, more then they could ever know, we valued their steady constancy in our lives. It's so hard to say goodbye to such selfless, good men, but, to know that at least in some small measure they carry on within us, is a wondrous gift. It's a reminder, too, that we all can choose what kind of legacy and memories we want to leave simply by how we choose to live our lives and how much we truly value one another.