Death

I think death is a bitter, but effective reminder providing insights on how to live better.

My uncle Bob passed away last week after dealing with intestinal cancer.

I'll always appreciate Bobs sense of humor.  He would curse in such a classy and disarming way that even my fragile old grandma would giggle.  He always knew how to take an awkward moment to the next level... Chris and I used to think it was fun to take pictures with cute girls wherever we met them (yup, it's what homeschoolers do for thrills) so at a family dinner at a local pizza place, Chris and I went over to the bar and posed with beers and this foxy server and Bob skipped the traditional photographers line "say cheese" and used his favorite line "everyone say pussycat!"  the server blushed, we all busted up laughing and the camera caught this moment in history. 

Bob taught me a few good things about off color class, but I think the greatest thing I learned from him, he taught me after he died.

It took me a full week to call his wife, my aunt Caryn, to speak a few words of condolence. I was terrified of saying the wrong thing or not saying the right thing. This exposes a dysfunction in how I relate to my family because if we had been close, like a family should be, and I had been more intimately involved in Caryn and Bobs life, I think I would have summoned the courage and called right when I learned that he passed.

So, in Bobs honor, I resolve to make the effort to interact with my family as often as possible and take advantage of every opportunity (no matter how awkward) to share life with them and connect with them.

More hugs too. Hugs don't come natural to us.