Yesterday Heaven gained another angel, my uncle Vernon. When I read the news, I couldn't hold back the tears. I wept as I sat at my computer and I prayed. I asked God to comfort my family and bring peace. He did just that and is continuing to do so.
As I sat here pondering whether or not to go to my Spanish class last night, He gave me the strength to get up. I went in a little early so I could speak with my Spanish professor about the recent event. Upon arrival, I came into her office and she greeted me with "¡Hola, Carrie! ¿Cómo estás?" I responded, "Estoy muy triste." When she saw the tears start to fall, she looked as if she was going to cry, too. We spoke about Uncle Vernon and how much he meant to me. We talked about some of the wonderful memories I have of him. We talked about God's grace and how much of a comfort it is to know that Uncle Vernon is with Him now. I was and still am overwhelmed by the compassion and gentleness my Spanish professor showed me yesterday in her office. The way Christ worked through her, giving her the right words to say to me, got me through class.
During class, I received a phone call from a close friend in my small group. She was just checking on me to see how I was doing. I got the message after class and started crying again. I sent her a text message a little later to see if we could talk or get together today. She came through as always and met me before she had to go to work this morning. Once again, I saw God at work, giving Sally the right words to say to comfort me. I'm incredibly blessed that God has placed people in my life that truly care about me. They hurt when I hurt, they laugh when I laugh, they pray for me without me even having to ask.
I'd like to share a little about my uncle. He was my great uncle, my grandfather's little brother. Yesterday would have been my grandfather's 100th birthday. He got the best birthday present ever by having his brother join him. I don't remember a lot about my grandpa because he passed away when I was about to turn four. I'm sure I'd met my uncle before but I don't have much of a memory of him until I was around 10 or 11. Uncle Vernon and Aunt Bea came from Ohio to Phoenix for a visit and I remember being very excited to spend time with them. One day we'd gone to a festival of some sort and Uncle Vernon wanted to take me on a very tall, scary looking ride. I was just tall enough to get on this ferris wheel contraption with spinning cages. Uncle Vernon assured me that I would be alright. We climbed into a cage and off we went. I'm pretty sure Uncle Vernon had a better time than I did since he was at the controls, turning that cage around and around until I thought I was going to be sick. He was laughing the whole time. It must run in the family because my dad did the same thing to me on a ride at the State Fair. Anyway, we survived the ride. I was a bit wobbly afterwards but I think Uncle Vernon wanted to go again. He was like a big kid and I admire him for letting the child in him come out even though he was an "old man".
Since then, my family and I had been out many times to Ohio for visits. One time we'd gone back to help get another uncle's house ready for auction. We'd only been there a few days, staying with Uncle Vernon and Aunt Bea, when the phone rang just as we were getting ready to turn in. We'd gotten news that my grandma Stuckey had passed away. My uncle came over and held me so close to him I thought my head would pop off, but I didn't mind. He was comforting me and making sure I knew he loved me.
I will never forget Uncle Vernon's strength, wisdom, smirks when he was being funny, poking us with his cane, and his love for the Lord and his family. I will miss him terribly, but I know that I will see him again one day. On that day, we'll have the best Stuckey family reunion ever! Until then, he'll be in my heart and in the hearts of all the lives he's touched. Thank you, Uncle Vernon for the time you've spent here on earth with us. We love you and we'll see you soon.
"We're only here for such a short time so I'm gonna stand up, shout out, and sing Hallelujah. One day I'll see you again. You're dancing with the angels, walking in new life. You're dancing with the angels. Heaven fills your eyes now that you're dancing with angels." - Monk & Neagle
Ohh Carrie. This made me cry. He will be missed so much. It is amazing that even my children, have wonderful stories of the time they spent with Uncle Vernon. We all loved him so much. He always made me laugh and was the most loving man.
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