Thanks Uncle

I'm thankful for a lot of things. Even when life is imperfect and messy and flawed. My uncle taught me something about what to be thankful for—recently on his death bed. As he laid there in his final moments, breathing his final breaths. He was completely surrounded by loved ones. Praying, singing songs ranging from Frank Sinatra, to Amazing Grace, to Take Me Out To The Ballgame, (he was an avid Yankees fan). We took turns holding his hand. We took turns holding each other. We cried, and we did laugh as well.

Family came from overseas. Brothers, sisters, daughters, nephews and nieces. All there. All present to see him through to a better place where the pain would be gone forever.

My uncle taught me something that day on his deathbed. That the way you live during the time you have, can and will be reflected in your final days (if you're fortunate). It was Leukemia that took his body away and he fought to the end. But I'm thankful that he taught us all a lesson in how to live and die. I'm far from his example, but I won't forget it. Thank you uncle.