Best Uncle

December 25, 2017 /

The worst part of 2017 for me was when my Uncle Michael passed away.  In an effort to honor him in the year that he died, I wanted to share the eulogy that I presented at his funeral.  I was uncertain about sharing this at first, but I am proud of what I wrote for him.  In addition, I believe it did my amazing uncle the justice that he deserved.  I did my best to keep it short and to the point since I knew I would struggle emotionally if I went on for too long.  As it was, no matter how long or short, it was one of the most challenging speaking engagements I have ever had to endure in my life.

Since my uncle’s passing, I have read the eulogy many times.   I am not sure why exactly, but it makes me nostalgic….that is, until I get to the very end when I bid him farewell forever.   That part breaks me every time.  To me, it signifies the finality and crystallizes the fact that I unfortunately will never see him again.  I guess the reality is setting in and that truly hurts.  God bless you Uncle Michael.  RIP.

Dear Uncsy,

I aspire to be as good as an uncle as you were to me,  but you are a tough act to follow. I have such fond memories of water skiing and fishing with you when I was younger.  The thing is this Unc, you did those things, and a multitude of other things, for Greg, Jill and I that you didn’t have to do.  You chose to do them and wanted to do them out of the goodness of your heart because you took joy in our joy.  That is an amazing and selfless quality and for that I am eternally grateful.  I will never forget your importance in my life and all that you taught me.

How can I ever forget your last Father’s Day?  You lounged there on the chaise in my backyard, everyone surrounded you and showed you love as if you were The Godfather.  We were all relishing our last days, hours, minutes and seconds with you and you with us.  It is going to be hard to go in the backyard without picturing you sitting there in all your glory surrounded by so many people that lived for you and loved you.  Unc, you will not be forgotten.  That is for sure.

I am so glad that I came to visit you in the hospital just a couple of weeks ago.  It was clear that you were worn down, but that didn’t prevent you from having moments of clarity to address your own agenda.  You grabbed me by the hand and told me what I meant to you and how much you loved me.  You knew your days were numbered and this was your special goodbye to me. Now, I too unfortunately have to say goodbye to you forever best Uncle Michael.

xxxooo

Your Nephew Scott

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10 Comments

  • Joyce Jones

    December 27, 2017 at 3:21 am

    He is an Angel now and has gone onto a heavenly place. Thank you for sharing your eulogy with all of us. It gave a picture of a very loving man your Uncle must have been and the good memories from an appreciative & loving Nephew. I wish you and your family peace. .

  • Carol Lee Nespole

    December 26, 2017 at 9:34 pm

    So beautiful. I was not a member of your family – but your Uncle was like a brother to me. He and your Aunt Eileen were two of the best friends we have ever had. Michael taught me to be patient – and to look at all the angles. You and your siblings were so blessed to have him as your UNCLE. He will always be a part of my life for as long as I live.

  • Jill Cleveland

    December 25, 2017 at 9:10 am

    Scott, That was beautiful! I think your Uncle would be very happy, and proud with the words you shared of him and what he meant to you! I lost my dad 6 years ago, and just a few short weeks before his passing, he told me how much he loved me, and I told him what a blessing he was to me as my Dad, and he followed that with a gentle kiss on my cheek, and a hug so tight! It means so much to them, as it does to us to hear loving words. God Bless