Some of you know this and most of you don't, but our trip to Vegas was cut short this past weekend when my uncle Dan dies suddenly of a heart attack. He was a great guy, and one of the worlds premier Hot Rod builders. His talent was a gift from God, and he had the uncanny ability to make you love him from the first time you met him. He will be sorely missed by everyone that ever knew him. I will post some pics of his cars as soon as I can because you have to see them to believe.
The reason I post this is because as some of you may know, I work in a family business where things can get really stressful. These are people that I spend 8 to 10 hours a day with for my entire life. What happened this weekend has got me really understanding the value and meaning of family. It's something that I have undoubtably overlooked in the recent past. My Aunt is 53 years old, has no children, and now has no husband. She will live the rest of her life alone, and there is something definately wrong with that. Kasey and I have had several discussions about kids, and I've never really considered the real meaning of it all. I just figured they didn't fit into our lifestyle, and that we could live without them and be happy. I don't think I really believe that anymore. I'm not saying we should run out and get pregnant right away, but I do know that we will someday start a family of our own.
My Uncle has 5 children from a previous marriage, and none of them had spoken to him in years. They always resented him and my Aunt for what he had done to his first wife, and now he's gone and they will never be able to make amends. One of them actually didn't come to the funeral. It's a very sad situation and it's really forced me to re-evaluate my outlook on not only my family, but family in general. I know in the past few weeks there have been threads on here about families and some of the people here are estranged form theirs.
I'm not trying to depress anyone, I just felt like sharing my thoughts with everyone here. I am beginning to understand how important my family is and how much I Love and value them.
It just sucks that I had to lose a good friend to figure it out.
Greg, Im very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. You know, it does suck that it took losing a friend/family member to realize this, but look at it this way. Atleast your realizing it now and not to late down the road.
I, too, am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your aunt, and your family. Though your aunt has no children of her own and has lost her husband, she will never be alone with family like you around who love and care for her. She's 53. It might be old from a Viper Alley standpoint but she still has alot of her life ahead of her too. No one knows what the future may bring. I pray that it is peace and happiness for your aunt. May she take comfort in the family around her during this time.
Sad story Greg. My condolences for the loss of your uncle. The topic that you've just begun to consider is WAY too deep casual posting. I've had a difficult (to say the least) saga of a family life, so I can easily commiserate. My single suggestion is to allow yourself to deal with the pain of your loss before you feel compelled to make life changing decisions. You may well be making good decisions, but now is simply NOT the time to consider whether to have children. Anytime you'd like to chat about "family" I'd be happy to help. Trust me when I say that I've pretty much been through it all. Just PM me! :thumb:
Greg, my condolences and prayers for your Aunt and your family. I lost my Dad last year and can offer this one bit of advice. Next week or the week after, when everyone has left and gone back to their lives, THAT is when your Aunt will need support the most. I know you will stay in touch and be there for her, after your heart-felt post here.
Greg,
Biggest makes a great point regarding your Aunt really needing you a couple weeks from now. You are very lucky to be part of a close family. It is sad that it takes times like this to really make you appreciate what you have.
PS: Kids rule! They definitely change your life, and you can't always do the things you used to do "at the drop of a dime", but my personal feeling is that they "redefine" what love means to you.
My prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Feel free to call or email me if you'd like - you have my info.
Greg, I too am terribly sorry for your loss, with family like you I'm sure your aunt will be fine, life doesn't end at 53, I hope she finds happiness again.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and PM's. I just left the house. We were all sitting around telling stories and laughing. My Aunt is doing quite well considering everything that has happened.
Biggsie, I couldn't agree with you more about the weeks and months to come. When my grandfather died we started having dinner at my grandmothers every night for about 3 months and I'm sure we will be doing the same thing now. The nice thing about us all working together is that we can all head right over to her house any time of the day, so she will never be alone.
Cheers to my extended family here at the Alley. You guys are the best!
