My Uncle Larry was a good man.
He loved his Cathy. He loved cars. He loved junkyards. He loved airboats. He loved to party. He loved LJ’s. He loved his family.
14 years ago, I was pregnant with Marisa and I found myself stranded. One phone call to my Uncle Larry and before I knew it he was right there to pick me up and take me home. When I had a flat tire a few years ago on SR 31, I walked up to LJ’s hoping to see his truck there. It was; and he gladly helped change my tire and get me riding again. He’s helped me a lot through the years and that’s something I’ll never forget. He was always just a phone call away.
I went to visit him in the hospital last year and it was rather late; around 11:00 PM. He was asleep, so I just put my arm on his and said “Uncle Larry, it’s Josie“. His eyes opened briefly and he said “how you doin, baby girl?” He quickly went back to sleep. I wondered after that if he’d remember that I had been there or not. Months later, my dad told me that I was the only person my uncle had remembered coming to visit him. That warmed my heart.
I have a lot of regrets. Mostly that I didn’t reach out more to him through the years and especially that I didn’t go see him yesterday while he was still alive. I hope he knew that I loved him. At least today he’s no longer bedridden and suffering.
Larry Dwight Stidham
July 24, 1954 – February 14, 2010
Alcohol destroyed my uncle’s liver and he was taken from us much too soon as a result. He was only 55 years old. I’ll be making a donation to the Liver Foundation in his honor today. If you’d like to help this cause as well, you can either donate or sign up to walk in a Liver Life Walk in your town.
I had a much different post in mind for today sharing pictures from my daughter’s parade and so much more that happened over the weekend. That’ll have to wait till tomorrow.
57.85 miles walked/jogged/ran since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 500)
13.9 miles biked since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 300)
(2) 5K finished since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 12)
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Josie, I’m so sorry for your loss and I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and your family. (((hugs)))
Oh Josie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. You and your family are in my prayers!!
What is it with this week, your uncle, Steve’s dad, and my family trauma. What is going on in the universe?!
If you need anything, or I can help in any way, just let me know.
Josie, thank you for sharing with me (us). There are some people who never leave us, no matter how long they’ve been gone from this Earth. Sending prayers up for you as you grieve and heal. Much love!
Wow. Tough week in the blogosphere, huh? My prayers are with you and your family. I’m sure he knew that you loved him, but it’s also a good reminder that we can’t wait for tomorrow to tell people we love them.
Oh Josie, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family. Much love. xoxo
Josie, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your Uncle Larry knew how much you loved him.
Keeping you in my thoughts tonight.
Hugs.
There’s nothing like an Uncle Larry who comes to pick you up when you need help. I’m glad you had an Uncle Larry — sorry he got taken from you so young. I’m sure he knew how much you loved him, Josie.
Josie, I am sorry for your loss. You have wonderful memories of your uncle. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing, and I’m sorry for your loss. We’re all here if you need anything.
Josie.. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It seems that you have some special memories that will keep him alive in your heart. My time heal….
Great tribute Josie. I’m so sorry. Take time to share and love on your family. {{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}
Josie I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I wish you strenght to deal with your grief.
Wow, hey Josie, I think Uncle Larry very well knew that you loved and appreciated him. You hate to watch someone suffer and I’m pretty sure he would not have wanted you to watch him suffer. I’m sure he’s resting well right now….
My condolences to you and your family.
Josie, I am so sorry for you, and even sorrier I didn’t see this sooner. It has really been a tough few weeks for our circle of bloggers. You are in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it’s hard cause I lost my Mom as well several weeks ago. She lived in NY and I live in Las Vegas. I only wished that I would have been there more often to visit her as well. It’s tough but I feel we are both strong people and we will make it through this tough period. Our departed ones will always be in our hearts. Now that I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. Take Care.
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