A Good Word For Ben.
Jeff
11 Comments
3 References
In July of 1982, when I was in the hospital for four days becoming New England’s newest diabetic, many family members called, stopped by, sent cards, and otherwise let me know they were concerned and wishing the best for me. Aside from my Mother and Father, there was one other relative who checked in on me personally in room 204 every single day that I was there: he was my grandmother’s brother, my Mother’s uncle, whom we all affectionately called “Uncle Ben.”
From the time I was just a child, right up until I saw him last year, he was always trying to make people laugh, and although the stroke that he suffered a while back slowed him down some, he made it his business to venture out in very cold weather to show his respects to my Father’s side of the family early last year when my Dad’s mother passed away. He didn’t have to go, but he did, and such selfless and respectful gestures hold great meaning for me.
Uncle Ben died this past Saturday at the age of 78, and though I cannot travel up the east coast to attend his service this week, my many memories of him remain very fond ones, and he and his wife Connie will always be in my thoughts and my prayers.
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Traffic will be a little light around GDAT!! for the next few days or so as I tend to some things that need tending to. In the meantime, I’ll check in when I can, and will get back to regular posting very soon to fill you in on some exciting things that are going on in the interim.
Reader Comments (11)
I'm sorry to hear of your uncle's death - he sounds like a very special guy. Aren't you lucky to have known him!
Sorry to hear about your Uncle. It's always tough to lose someone in the family, especially when they make their presence so memorable. their family and yours will be my prayers.
Colleen -- He was a good guy, indeed, and I will miss him. Thank you.
Chris -- Your prayers are very much appreciated, and thank you for your thoughtful words.
Jeff -
Sorry to hear about your Uncle Ben - He sounded like a wonderful person to have had in your life. Even though I've never met u face to face, I think that you've inherited his humor. Through that gift, he will continue to be a positive force in your life each and every day.
Kelly -- I am very fortunate to be blessed with a lot of wonderful people in my life, and he was certainly one of them. Thank you for your kind sentiments.
It sounds like he made an impression that will live on for many many years, Jeff. My condolences to you and your family on his passing.
Alison -- Thank you for your nice thoughts.
Sorry I'm a little late on this. But I wanted to send my condolences to you on the passing of your Uncle Ben. He sounded like a great guy. I think his sense of humor is living on in you, too. You'll be in my prayers. Take care.
Aww. :( Very sorry to hear about your loss. I agree that he sounded like a wonderful person in your life.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like he was truly special, and I'm sure he will continue to live on through you. You will be in my prayers.
Jeff,
Many are blessed with a relative such as Uncle Ben, many, unfortuantely, are not. Good humor, empathy towards those less fortunate and a willingness to act to help others are character qualities common to past generations but sorely diminshed in the present.
There are those today who would throw an anchor to a drowning man with the thought that by overcoming drowning with the added burden of the anchor it will make the man even stronger. I'm sure Uncle Ben would have rescued the drowning man, given him a cup of hot coffee along with the shirt off his back and then made him laugh. That's the type of man that would make Jesus smile and the world is a lesser place by his departure.