As I sit here typing today I am reflecting on my life.  Tomorrow I will be attending the funeral of my great uncle.  He is the baby brother of my grandma.  I remember as a small child thinking he was such a cool guy.  He was fun and accepted me no matter what.  We spent many holidays together because his home was only 2 blocks from my grandma's. 

As I looked into the coffin tonight I didn't even recognize the man I lovingly called Unkie.  He was so frail and seemed so small compared to the man I once had to look up to as a child.  At only 89 years of age he seemed to have shrunk a whole 12 inches. 

I thought so much of this man that I even named my son after him.  Now I look in the casket and can't even recognize him.  Why does age have to change people so much.  I will have to struggle tomorrow at the funeral as it will be a very difficult time for the whole family. 

He is at peace now so we must be happy for him.  He is seeing family members again that he hasn't seen for years or even decades.  I know that my grandpa was waiting for him with open arms.  Unkie was a great man and had the patience of Job.  I look forward to seeing him again someday, but until that time many years from now I hope he knows the whole family is missing him and loving him.

You will always be loved and missed

Ted Gautier

Love from your great niece