Paying Tribute

We lost one of my favourite uncles yesterday after a brief fight with cancer. I wasn't sure how I would honour his memory...but I thought I might write a few words to tell the world how much he meant to me.

Fourth Uncle was a gentle and kind soul. He cherished family and even though I was a part of his extended family, he always made me feel included. Never would he hesitate to invite me to stay for dinner or to join their family gatherings. I could see how he loved to be surrounded by his family....his eyes would light up when we brought the babies around to say hello and he always insisted on carrying them.

A generous man who could never say no if asked. Thoughtful that he never forgot to send a laysee (red pocket with money) for our birthdays or Christmas. My earliest memories of him was when we were little we would visit him at his store and he would march us to the front and buy us this little box of rice candy that included a toy (similar to a Kindersurprise). We didn't have much when we were growing up and this was a big treat. We really cherished those little toys and this Uncle that made us feel so special.

Most of all I will always remember his smile and how he made me feel special whenever I came to say hello. He always called me by my name and asked me how I was doing. And even on my last visit, when he was so weak he still managed to look at my sister and I and smile and acknowledge our presence.

He really will be missed. I am so thankful that he was a part of my life.