Today we celebrated the homegoing of Uncle Herbert.
I have been regretting today since I heard that he was leaving hospice and going home. I asked myself why over and over. Today my answer came clear as I looked into the casket. Laying there was a stranger. I do not mean that in a derogatory way. But the shell of the man I knew as Uncle Herbie lay there so still. I really wanted to remember him smiling, laughing and telling stories. I did not recognize his face because I had been too busy "living my life" to go see him. My cousin (who I grew up thinking was my Uncle Earl) said it best "still waters run deep". The memories of him will run deep in my mind.
As the still water of Uncle Herbert's life ran deep in the family and friendships so is it our duty to pass on to younger generations the memories of our life with him and Aunt Ruth. Uncle Herbert will always be remembered as a kind soul. He was a free spirit. Willing to think outside the box. I remember that he and Aunt Ruth always had us spend the night when we were in Houston for the summer. They never had their own kids. We all were their kids so they spoiled us when we were there.
I entered their home on the day that he went up to heaven, Instantly memories of the past came floating back. They had taken his body away before I got there. As I walked in a picture hung in the same spot it had the first time I remember going to their home. Sure some of the furniture was different. Nevertheless, the place looked the same as it had all those years ago. The still water of his memory will run deep in my heart. I carry those memories with me and hope to
The truth is I hate death. Actually. I hate watching the life leave the body of a loved one. I did this with my grandmother and did not realize until now how much that affected my soul.
