My Uncle Bob died this last week.

He was Grandpa’s oldest brother.

When I got the call, I was hoping Grandpa would attend the funeral.

I even offered to help drive or fly Grandpa and/or Grandma to Alabama to attend.

They said they couldn’t make it because Grandpa is busy doing infusion therapy trying to cure his CIDP…

Granpa and Grandma made a few other excuses too, but it finally boiled down to the fact that Grandpa did not have the energy, and Grandma did not feel like she could leave Grandpa alone.

After a bunch of indecision and nonsense back and forth, I felt like I should go.

So I booked a last minute flight and woke up at 4:00 AM to catch my flight.

The funeral was beautiful and sad.

The best part of my trip was staying up late and talking to a few of my Aunts and Uncles and cousins.

My Aunt Lou, Cindy, Darlene, and Angie kept me up till 1 AM talking and telling stories!

I am SO glad I decided to go.

My advice is to show up for people that you love. Both friends and family.

Mom reminded me of what I have said before:

We are a family that shows up for weddings and funerals.

So no real decision next time…

It’s as simple as that.

What I remember most about Uncle Bob is fishing with him and Grandpa.

We would fish all day in the humid Alabama heat in some pond on some land that a friend of his owned.

That night would would have a big fish fry.

Everyone coming and going it felt like I had the biggest family in the world and I remember eating hushpuppies until I was stuffed.

He owned Terrell Enterprises in Greenville, AL – and was probably the best natural salesman I have ever known.

I love you.

-Dad

Title: The Successful Failure
Speaker: David Wilson
Location: Lubbock, TX
Date: 25 April 2021

Verse: Mark 10:17-27

I. His approach and awareness (17)
A. Right time
B. Right attitude
C. Right person
D. Right question

II. His misperception and misunderstanding (18-20)
A. Jesus was a good man (18)
B. Unaware of his own sin (19-20)
C. Eternal life is through good works (17b)

III. His reaction and response (21-22)
A. The master’s compassion and commandment (21)
B. The man’s remorse instead of repentance (22)

IV. The Lord’s exclamation and explanation (23-27)

Went to Kerrville this last weekend.

It was the first time we have seen grandma and grandpa in over a year!

In fact, it was the first time we have seen them since we were in the hospital with T.

Also, T, this was your first trip to Kerrville.

Crazy it has been that long.

Covid is so stupid.

Good grief…

…Not just for the people whose lives were cut short – but also for the way it made the world lose it’s mind and altered the way we lived.

Anyway, it was good to see them and get away.

We watched the deer, went for a few short walks, and ate lots of my favorite Mexican food.

You girls loved entertaining yourselves in the little playroom that my dad built for you – and you devoured the blueberry muffins that my mom always makes so much she had to bake more.

So…

I think grandpa has advanced Parkinson’s disease.

Doctors disagree (or are not getting the full picture) and he is currently being treated for “CIPD.”

He has been slowing down for a while, honestly.

But it’s sad to watch.

His walking is getting worse. He has difficulty especially turning around. And he can barely get up and down out of a chair.

He just started using a walker.

I can close my eyes and think back to my little boy self and picture my dad.

He’s smiling and strong and fast and smart.

And I wish I could sit with him again.

We drove back to Lubbock Sunday afternoon and that evening my dad called and told me that his older brother died.

I always called him Uncle Bob.

I love you.

-Dad