It’s amazing to be a part of this gathering. The conversations I’ve had with family members over the last two days have brought us closer than any other time. Witnessing the opportunity my uncle has taken to talk to each of us has been fulfilling in an unexpected way. I liken the talks to a parent, upon leaving the house for the day, telling the children to make sure all the windows are closed; to make sure the stove is off; and to make sure all the doors are locked. He’s telling us things he feels we ought to know.
There have been a lot of visitors over the last couple of days. We all know that this family is about to experience an unimaginable change. That is to say, one of us is close to leaving. It is a sad moment that calls for one’s spirit to pause in grief. Yet somehow the horror of the moment is overshadowed by my uncle’s poise, strength, and dignity.
By virtue of our choosing to come together in this house in this town, we’ve found a way to help each other through this difficult time.
