RIP Uncle Sam **UPDATED**
In June of 2020, my Aunt Haline and Uncle Sam, alone with a friend, came to our home to visit. We had such a wonderful time talking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company. Then we hugged and said our goodbyes and I stood on our front porch watching them drive away. I had the strongest feeling that would be the last time I saw Uncle Sam alive. He had a stroke 9 years ago, but he kept on going on, lost in his head with dementia, being confused as to where he was. Even that day with our visit, Aunt Haline included him with our conversations, because just if he’s not all there mentally doesn’t mean he’s not important. She talked to him to help remind him of who I was and he said “oh okay” with his signature smile.
Earlier this month I heard that he was not doing well. He stopped eating and it appeared like he wouldn’t last long. She took him to the doctor and found that he had COVID. He was treated, given medicine and was released to go home. I texted my aunt on the 8th asking how Uncle Sam was doing. She called me and said he was doing better. I could here in her voice her concern as she tried to remain positive.
Well, on this past Wednesday I received news that he didn’t make it through COVID very well.
**He did not die from COVID. With dementia, people often pass from pneumonia or infection. The doctor said that the COVID was nearly gone, that is why he was sent home. He had stopped eating!
That he’s got 12-24 hours before he passes away. Then I got a text from my mom that they received the official word, that he had passed away.
I was somber the rest of the day as I worked at the storage unit and the theater. I have been communicating with my manager from the beginning and inquired about bereavement, what it covered (would I be able to be excused for my uncle or did it need to be more immediate family) and how much time would I get to travel to Arizona for the funeral. I let my manager know as soon as possible and put in my absence request, according to my parent’s travel plans as I am going down with them. I got the time I needed and the plan is on.
His funeral is planned for Saturday October 30th. We (my parents and I) leave Wednesday and will head home on Monday.
This man touched many lives for good. He was a good dad to the sons of my aunt. He was a great husband to my aunt. One hymn comes to mind as I think of this man:
#293 Each Life That Touches Ours for Good
- Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.
2. What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.
3. When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.
4. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim
Devotion to the Savior’s name,
Who bless our days with peace and love,
We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.
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