Today is David’s birthday, and he would have been 55.  What would it be like to see him at 55?  I can only see him in my mind’s eye when he was in his 40s.

A lot has happened that hasn’t been updated here.  DeDe’s mom has passed away, DeDe’s dad has passed away, my mom has passed away, David/DeDe/Luke/Ryan’s dog, Critter, has passed away.  All rites of passage, very sad, and life changing.

DeDe’s mom, Linda, was very special to me.  I could tell her anything.  She was like a second mom.  She would never judge, always say something appropriate and comforting.  Always seeing the happy side of anything difficult.

Linda had three short stores: Tom the Turkey, Grumpy the Goldminer, Marissa the Troll.  Her granddaughter Bailey might illustrate them.  I had a note about Narios Tails from her, if anybody remembers what that means.

DeDe’s dad, Andy, was a big teddy bear, ran the grill on 4th of July, loved cooking sweetbreads at a cookout, and was very dedicated to his family and grandkids.  Ryan looked a lot like him and took after him.  Ryan was smart and witty.

My mom was ever loving, ever accepting and never stopped advocating for her kids.  My dad and I were joking the other day that she’s probably bending God’s ear right now to get him to do something for us.

Critter lived a good life with my dad.  He liked to follow dad around the house to see what he’s doing.  They went on daily walks.  Critter was loving and a big dog.  I remember my daughter threw a chew toy over the large dining room table and critter easily went OVER the table to get it.

That’s about all.  I understand more about David now.  It’s private.  I understand more about myself now too.  I studied Greek philosophers in college.  Socrates said to ‘know thyself.’  Ok, now I’m a little closer.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to accept the death of the family.  It’s hard to process.  Especially the young lives cut short.  Hardest is the things that were set aside for them.  Photos.  Invaluable memories.  Things that should be kept, and passed down to their generations.  Linda and the family dealt with the items as much as they could.  There was a house full of things.  As far as future generations, there are no direct descendants to pass these things to.  It’s extremely odd and sad.

I like going to the Mulege house.  Being there is my way of remembering him.

Love,

John

I’m thinking about you on your birthday and what your life meant to us. You were a very special and bright kid and I knew that you would be a strong force when you grew up.

I think what I’ve learned is that you never know when will be the last time you’ll see someone you love. Therefore never turn down an opportunity to play, have fun, or give a hug and tell someone that you love them. I regret the times when you wanted to play but I didn’t have the energy.

Sometimes it’s hard when I’m working and my daughter wants to sit on my lap, but I can nearly always make room for her and still get my work done. Sometimes she’ll sit there for an hour or more. Other times when she wants to wrestle, I’ll do it even when I’m tired. Once we start wrestling, I’m not tired any more. In the end, we’re all happier.

Missing you on your birthday. Love your uncle John.

I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.  We went camping last weekend and I couldn’t help think that you and the family would have loved to be there.  It was hot; about 100 degrees at our campground and I thought of may ways to cool us down.  I created a big blind out of a tarp to block the sun as we cooked dinner on Saturday night.  You were also innovative and might have thought of other ways to do fun things at the camp site.

I have a picture of you (above) as you demonstrated Jacob’s Ladder to your class.  There is no date on the picture.  It looks like you’re 10 years old there.

I remember when you were two years old or so, you called me Ut John (Uncle John).  That was cute.  My other niece and nephew still call my that from time-to-time, in memory of you.  Rest in peace, my beloved nephew.

Love,

Ut John

What can I say? You would be 50 today.  We’re remembering you and have been thinking about you a lot.  Best wishes on your birthday!

Love,

John

We’re thinking about you on your birthday and remembering the special person that you were.

Love,

John

Happy Birthday today! Thinking about you on your special day. I remember what an assertive person you were. Good at arguing with me. I could barely win! I said, wow, he’s got a sharp wit! Rest in peace, my beloved nephew.

Love,

Uncle John