It’s not everyday that you see tractors outside of a funeral home. But then again you likely never met my Uncle Dale. He loved tractors!

Though my heart felt heavy riding to the funeral home early last evening, coming upon the funeral home to see my uncle’s pride and joy sitting outside, framing the funeral home, made me smile.  Of course, I thought. His tractors would be here. My heart lightened.

Funerals and death can sure make you stop and think about what is truly important in life. Not that I don’t appreciate life, because I really do. But once again, death, for me, magnifies joy and all the blessings that I have.

My uncle was 71 years old. Died suddenly of a stroke. Very unexpected. As we listened to the sermon many thoughts flashed through my mind. I will celebrate my 50th birthday tomorrow. My uncle was 21 years older than me. My dear friend, Cassy, now a big part of my life, is 29.  We, too, are 21 years apart. Someday she and I will trade places in age. My mom and I also 21 years apart. It struck me to think I am only 21 years from the age of my uncle- now gone.  My uncle the same age as my mom and dad. It could have been me standing there saying goodbye.

While we never know when our time is to leave this earth, it was another reality check of how fast these years go. I recalled fond memories of staying overnight at my cousins, remembering how they would wait in anticipation for their dad to get home on a Friday night. For 31 years he was a truck driver, working really hard and providing for his family so my aunt Kathy could stay home and raise their three children.

Today on my Uncle Jim’s Facebook page he said this of Dale, “He worked hard all his life, took pride in his work, and loved his family dearly. He touched many lives. He will be missed by family and friends alike.” It is so true.  It is what I think of too when I think of him and how I will remember him. He was truly one of the hardest working men I’ve ever known.

I also really admired the marriage between Dale and my aunt Kathy. They sure did have their share of tough times. But they made it. They loved each other. Two peas in a pod. They are a wonderful reminder of all I want to continue in my marriage with John.

Today as I continue to celebrate my birthday week I will also celebrate my uncle’s life. He was a gentle giant, with a wonderful smile, and a love for his wife and family that makes me so proud to say he was my uncle.

As the funeral came to an end one last song was played…Roll on 18 Wheeler by Alabama.  I, along with many others, smiled big through tears. Such a fitting end to a wonderful man. Rest in peace uncle Dale.