Navigating Loss: Remembering Uncle Cam
Death.
It's a word that carries a weight of emotion, triggering feelings of anger, surprise, sadness, confusion, and turmoil. Recently, this word found its way into my world as my uncle suddenly passed away in his sleep. The weekend that followed was heavy, filled with the somber atmosphere of his services.
In the midst of the grief, a poignant moment stood out. His daughter kept repeating aloud, "You didn't say anything, Dad." It was a salient point that made me reflect deeply. While I typically share the wisdom gleaned from any circumstance (heck, remember, I’m the cancer survivor guy), it doesn't feel fitting in this case. Instead, I want to focus on the moments when I connected with my uncle.
Last year, I shared with him a very personal and difficult chapter in my life.
He acknowledged my words but said nothing. My uncle was a man of few words, rarely displaying even the slightest emotion. Yet, he cared deeply, evident in his actions and the sacrifices he made to keep his family together.
That's the paradox of death. We always remember how someone showed up for us, but at the time, we forget the impact it made. It brings to mind a famous line from the film Shawshank Redemption:
"And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they're gone."
I will miss you, Uncle Cam. As I navigate this new reality without you, I choose to cherish the moments we shared, echoing in the halls of my memory.
He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever serve as a reminder of the importance of showing up, of expressing care in whatever way feels most authentic.
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