The Chocolate Lady

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Good-bye Uncle Art

As the kids and I prayed this morning, as we sat around the breakfast table, Beauty said, "God I know you are having fun with Artie up in Heaven, because whenever I would visit him we had fun."

And, that really sums up Uncle Artie....fun guy, kind to everyone - even the littlest of kids, and definitely up in Heaven.

Last night, after battling cancer, Uncle Artie met Jesus.

I have so many memories of Art. They often lived close, but even when they didnt, he and my Aunt Joyce were close in heart. They didnt have any of their own kids, but they had plenty of nieces and nephews that they were either spoiling or tolerating, depending.

My Uncle Art was the guy that didnt hide his farts, and gave them a name, announcing his flatulence to anyone that didnt hear the explosive sounds (which was nobody, because, trust me, everyone heard his "slips")

My Uncle Art was the guy that taught me how to bartend, and even how to roll his marijuana into joints (It was the 70's). And he was always a good sport when I lectured him, decades later, about having such substances around impressionable pre-teens. I would tell him he was lucky I didnt turn out to be some drug addict, and he would agree, and laugh, although, maybe inside he might think that preferable to being Miss Goodie Two Shoes and chastising him.

Later in life, Uncle Art developed a strong love of God, a deep relationship with Jesus and a thirst for the Bible. It was wonderful to watch him come full circle, and our family felt privileged to attend his Baptism.

Uncle Art was only in his 50's, still young with a lot of life ahead of him. He had a rough start to life, with some difficult circumstances...but you wont meet a guy with a better personality; happy, helpful, friendly, easy-going, respectful, kind.

This morning, Pooper recounted that it was Uncle Artie that helped him catch his first fish. We were camping, and the boys were out on a boat...fishing, and Artie was probably "slipping" and Pooper was probably laughing...that's how things were with Uncle Artie.

He was everyone's friend. Most importantly, he was my Aunt Joyce's friend. Over 30 years of marriage...some how those two hippies beat the odds. They not only stayed married (a rarity these days), but they still love each other a lot. It was obvious to all that knew them, and even strangers that didnt, that they were best friends, in love, and happy. She was Uncle Artie's "Frog".....she took good care of him, and he of her, they were really good together.

We will miss our Uncle Artie. We know that Grandma Rita and Uncle Jimmy were probably pushing each other over, anxious to be the first to welcome him. I imagine those three will be sitting on a patio somewhere, maybe next to the Oreo Cookie house, chatting, laughing, reminiscing about old times, good times.

We will miss the good times with Uncle Artie, but thank God that we have the assurance of seeing him again.

Please keep my Aunt Joyce in your prayers, as she faces life without Art.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful memorial. That's the life we all try to live!

The Dorsey Boys said...

I too remember the goods times with Uncle Art! He always let us do the things the other adults told us not to do.

JCK said...

What a lovely tribute to a man who was obviously well loved!

Thanks so much for coming by my blog and leaving that sweet comment. Yes, my children have been infinite blessings!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Kim and family..that was so touching!! Uncle Artie loved all of you very much too..but also knew you loved him.

Your favorite Aunt...Froggy xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

He sounds like an awesome man. I'm glad you all have such great memories. There is an Oreo cookie house up there? What a great way to relate to your kiddos that you know where he is!

BOSSY said...

So sorry.

Anonymous said...

Uncle Art sounds so grand. I'm glad that a second generation of nephews/nieces got to make memories with him too. Aunt Joyce will be in my prayers.

Hugs, Karen B.

Anonymous said...

kim,

Anonymous said...

Kim,
Sorry, I tried to post before, but it wouldn't go through. We will all remember Art with love and affection. He was a very special person and the best brother-in-law anyone could ever ask for. It's hard to say "Art" without also saying "Joyce". They were two peas in a pod. They took care of each other and loved each other. He would give you the shirt off his back and there were times when he did exactly that. If you needed something, you got it...even though he gave all he had. Please pray that Joyce will be ok without him. We love you both!!

Pumpkin Delight (Kimberly) said...

That is very nice! He would be so touched.

As for your question for me, how do I email you? I am newer to this blogging thing, but I don't see that info??? I would be happy to show you the book stuff.

Unknown said...

I have nothing but good memories of Art and his huge smile and heart. We will all remember his "slippies" and sense of humor.
I pray that the Lord comforts Joyce with the knowledge that he is surrounded with love and eternal happiness. I'm sure he is reconnecting with many, including his own mother who's life was also cut short way too soon.