My Beloved Uncle C.

    My sophomore year was a time for turmoil for me. In the end, I went to live with my Aunt and Uncle.
I thought I would stay for a week or so till things settled down at home. I had caused the unsettling, so I wasn't sure how long exactly it would be till smooth seas prevailed..
    Turns out it was allot longer than I thought.. So. for 3 years, I lived with them. During that time, I sometimes forgot I was the guest. I  led them on a roller coaster ride thru the early seventies.
ALMOST without incident or reaction. I thought they were just naive or something. I thought I got away with it all.
    Now looking back, I realize who the naive one was.  They let me live, grow, learn, make mistakes and grow up. While I thought my Aunt was a religious nut,  reading the bible day and night , it turns out, that most of that was ...FOR ME.   My salvation, my intervention. 
    My Uncle was the Police Chief. He had my back from day one. He lived by the philosophy, that everyone wants to be good. He brought my goodness out.. Slowly, so slowly, I didn't even see it oozing forth. 
    They loved me and cared for me unconditionally.  I am the person I am today, all because of them.
I buried my Uncle this week. It was shocking. I thought he would live forever. I can't remember being this sad in a long while.  He was honored by the policemen, firemen, the military, religous, family and friends.
He impacted more people than I will ever even know. The honor they bestowed on him were in  these words.  "HE MADE EVERY DAY MATTER, and SAW GOOD IN ALL ."
     He was well loved, married to my Aunt for over 60 years. She now starts a new chapter in her life without him.. but like him, I am sure, she will make everyday matter.
    I love you Uncle Clarence..  (make sure to put in a good word for me...:)