Death

During the past three weeks I have lost two of my favorite great uncles. They weren't my favorite because I spent a great deal of time with them, or because they spoiled me; they were my favorite because they inspired me.

My Uncle Marv slipped silently into death on a Friday morning sometime between 4-6 a.m. We was healthy, he was just as witty as ever, he was 69 and still working doing hard labor. He loved his family and he always has something to say that would bring a smile to your face even if you were having a crappy day. If you were down in the dumps around him, it was your own fault.

Marv has spent the last 15 years in Colorado, but the influence he has had on my life felt much closer than the mile that separated us. He was a hard worker. We always said he would work himself to death. In December he was going to retire and finally enjoy life. But it seems that God had other plans for him. His work will be of a different kind in a different sphere. 

My Uncle Doc didn't have such a peaceful exit from this world. He spent the last two weeks in the hospital while they tried to figure out what was wrong with him. After sending him home, this morning he breathed his last breath and also slipped into an eternal rest.

Uncle Doc was the reason I wanted to be a veterinarian. He healed animals all over the surrounding area of Oakdale. I remember going to California to visit my dad and going up to Doc's house. As a little girl I would go into his medicine room and I remember being amazed at the refrigerators full of medicine and that each of them had the potential to heal a certain ailment. He watched from inside the house as I spent hours in his pool swimming and enjoying the water.

My dad wanted to go out and see Doc this weekend. But I couldn't and perhaps things work out for the best. The last time I saw him was when we went to an award ceremony in California. They were honoring him for all he had done in the Oakdale area. It was a wonderful time and awesome to be there with him and my family. Perhaps we will have one last opportunity to go out there and see those with whom he associated.

The passing of those who are dear to you causes you to reflect. It causes you to take an inventory of your life. These two experiences are in contrast of the swiftness from which we can leave this life and knowing that your time on earth is coming to an end.

What will people say about you when you are gone? Are you living the life you want to live while you can? What would you change about your life in order to become the person you want to be? When will you change? Will it be too late before you do?

And perhaps the most important thoughts: When all is said and done, will you be satisfied knowing you accomplished everything you were sent here to do? When you are standing naked, in a sense, before God, will he speak the words, "Well done thou good and faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things"?