Yesterday we buried my uncle. He was the last one of four siblings which including him, my mother, a sister, and a brother. All four died from cancer. Add to that that my father and brother also died from cancer, I sometimes feel that my death certificate can be filled in except for the date.
I will miss him but sympathies aren't necessary.
My uncle was 81 and had a long, full life. He enlisted in the Navy at age 15. When he got out he started work with the railroad and also owned and operated a Pure Oil service station. He had three children, five grandchildren, and a great grandson. Although his first marriage ended in divorce, he was married to the true love of his life for 28 years.
You may think his death and funeral are the reason behind the subject of this post, they are not. While the thought process started there ....
it's not what prompted me to write.
I'm not going to go into a lot of detail. It's just way too involved and too angsty to get into. Let's just say that my childhood didn't leave me full of wonderful, warm memories. Seeing cousins and an aunt that I hadn't seen in years was really nice, especially the ones that acted happy to see me, but it triggered many of the "why's" that haunt me from time to time. Why was it always my responsibility as a young child to keep in touch? Why was I asked questions that a 9-year-old shouldn't have to hear? And on and on.
Over the years I've really tried to lay these issues to rest and make the most of my current life and what I have. I've tried not to mourn the childhood memories I'll never have and try to suppress the bad ones. You'd think after 45 years I would have succeeded.
You'd think.
But I haven't.
If you get a chance to see him in a live performance, one word for you - GO! I saw him last night at Jubilee and he put on a great show! He was really into his audience and wanted to make it personal. He even came off stage and wandered through the crowd, giving handshakes and hugs as he sang. While the band was doing its solo thing, he went off-mic and asked the security people to move the barriers so that fans could get right up to the stage. Of course, part of that could have been ego (*grin*).
I have to admit I was not a fan of his when he was on American Idol, but I am now!
Well, at leat that's what it used to be called. Now it's Jubilee CityFest. No matter what it's official name, I'll always call it Jubilee. My daughter and I are going tonight, tomorrow night, and Sunday night. If you'll check out the concert schedule, you'll see why! The highlights are:
Friday night - Josh Gracin, LeAnn Rimes, Diamond Rio, REO Speedwagon
Saturday night - Lonestar, Wallflowers, Boyz 2 Men
Sunday night - George Jones and Black Crowes
The weekend pass is $35 - which is less than what you'd pay to see just one of those groups in concert.
Thanks for the welcome comments and emails!
Wow! Look at all the moths flying out of this thing! LOL!
So much has happened since I took a break I don't know where to start. I guess I should say HELLO to all who drop by for the re-opening. For the time being, comments will be allowed but it may be short-lived. If I do turn off comments, those who know me will know where to reach me.
This past weekend I had a most wonderful guest - Deb from Sometimes I. We had such a grand time. I don't have a friend locally that I can call to say, "Let's go shopping!" It was fun to go out shopping with Deb. We even had Margaritas at lunch! Aren't we shameful? Heh.
I'll be catching up with everyone and updating all my links, as I know that many of the weblogs shown to the left are no longer in business, so to speak.
See ya' later!
this is a test to see if the darned thing still works!