My Beloved Uncle Johnny 1961-2009

1961 -2009

Last week was a very sad week for our family, and the friends of my Uncle Johnny. After a short battle with cancer (37 days), my uncle passed Wednesday morning. However sad and heartbroken we may feel, we know he is in a better place. We are relieved that he is at peace and in the arms of God now.

As I remember him...

A great man with a kind and giving heart. Laughter came easily when he was around. Just a mention of Uncle Johnny and a smile would grace my face. He brought happiness to everyone who knew him.

My favorite memory is of him and my dad singing "We're not gonna take it" in the car. I was young, 4 or 5 maybe... Smiling now as I think about it. As a child he and my mom would take us on mini vacations to FunTown. We had some fun times there. I remember him being so proud of his "turbo" car. We (us kids) would always ask him to downshift it... and of course we didnt know what that was, but it was cool to a child.

We have endless Christmas memories... Us "kids" had made a tradition in these past few years, to buy him a case of his favorite energy drink and gather at someones' house for a big family feast.

And in recent years, I had grown up conversations about life and some of the issues he was going through (maybe even girl problems ;) ) via email (since I no longer live near my family).

He left us with several memories and moments to cherish. I no longer want to be sadden when I think of him and our loss. I know he is where he wanted to be, with God. So I'm going to be happy for, YOU, Uncle Johnny. You're in Heaven now looking down on us. I cant be sad for that. Someday we'll all be together again, until then...

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This is a wonderful poem that my Nana found and gave to my Mom to be read at the funeral.

DON'T GRIEVE FOR ME, FOR NOW I'M FREE

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call;

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way;

I found that place at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;

Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I savored much;

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Perhaps my time seems all too brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up you heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

Thanks for reading. I want the world to know him. A wonderful man with a great heart.