Over and Out

Uncle Al and Brian
Revere Beach
Uncle Al's favorite stomping grounds... we brought him there often.

Uncle Al passed this morning, April 16, 2011 at 10:15 AM.  He hung on to life even though he knew that there is no cure for old age.  The cycle of life includes death, it's inevitable for all of us.  

Uncle Al passed today, I have felt his presence all day.  I feel peaceful when I see his face in my minds eye.  Looking at pictures, fond memories fill my heart.

I remember when I was a little girl, singing and jumping for joy when I saw Uncle Al walking between the houses, coming for a visit with Aunt Jeannette and Maryann, my best friend.  "Here comes Uncle Al, the kiddies pal!"  Over and over again I would sing this song.  It always made Uncle Al smile a big smile.

Uncle Al was a survivor, just like his sister, my mother.  

Uncle Al and my mom deep in conversation...
the last one that they had together a couple of years ago

Today marks the beginning of the changing of the guards.  The seniors in my life are beginning to exit.  Uncle Al is the first; he won the race through life.

My mom and Uncle Al were always racing for the finish line, neither wanted to be the last to die.

My mom?   I didn't tell her.  I couldn't tell her that her brother died today.

Personally, I feel that it would be irresponsible to tell her; not knowing if she would be able to process that she is the sole survivor of her family.

My mom and her family in 1932
Uncle Al is on the other side of my Grandmother

My mom... she's the end of the line.

My family, we are at the crux of the next generational shift.  I am moving closer toward my days as a senior and my nephews are becoming the new middle aged.

My Great Nephew... a natural, just like his Great Gram and Great Great Uncle Al

When did it happen?

I'm grateful to have had time with Uncle Al.  I was able to talk to him when he could still converse with me.  He died knowing all the things that I've been able to accomplish in my life.  Throughout my life, I was always seeking his approval; I came up empty.  Uncle Al had some lucid moments when we spent our time together and he gave me the greatest gift of all... his approval.

I will miss my Uncle Al, his cute little laugh and big smile.  I'll miss how he rubbed his hands together; something that my mom does too.  I'll miss going to Kelley's on Revere Beach and having fried clams with him.

Mom and Uncle Al are cosmic twins.  

Uncle Al and Mom
Revere Beach
...they spent lots of time there when they were young.

Uncle Al died today and my mom appears sad.  She's been sleeping all day, not wanting to do much of anything.  I think she knows on a deep level that she's the sole survivor.

 "NO!  My brother is climbing into the hole!"  She screamed the other night during one of her wild hallucinations.

Over and Out Uncle Al... enjoy the dance because you will always be in my heart.

Uncle Al and the Piano Across the Street