Chris Writing Anything

This morning, while snuggled in my bed, the vibrations of my telephone roused me. Unfortunately, by the time I picked up my phone, it had stopped ringing. Curiously, I checked the caller’s number: it was my mother.

I knew that couldn’t be good…

And it wasn’t.

My Aunt’s husband, Uncle Mark, is terminally ill. He’s known for a long time, yet he kept his illness to himself. Deep down, since he’s now in hospice care, and since he doesn’t have many more days left, I want to visit. I’m just too damn apprehensive.

I mean, I love the guy. When I was younger, at family get togethers, he’d be the man silently lounged on a recliner. He was no nonsense, soft spoken yet he had a very healthy sense of humor…his high pitched chuckles will live with me forever.

Most of the time, if a political topic was mentioned, whether he was actually interested, or if he actually wasn’t, I really don’t know, but he’d always shrug the topics off with an air of indifference. Okay, sometimes he was adamant, but he was never forceful.

I’m saying that so you don’t get me wrong, many times he’d have an opinion, but his words were so nonchalantly spoken, I’d guess he really wasn’t that passionate. But sometimes he’d get a little riled. Yet, even if he was passionate, I never felt alienated. Because of that, I always felt comfortable in his presence. It’ll be hard to believe he’s gone.

He does have two sons, and both share that very easy going demeanor. I never found fault with Uncle Mark, and he never said one word of anger towards me…ever. Even if he had, being who he was, I’d understand he would have a great reason. So, today, as I clean my house, sing while strumming my guitar and play my drums in time to Led Zepplin songs, I’m thinking of him.

I’m not thinking about what I should have done.

I’m not thinking about missed opportunities.

I’m just thinking about Uncle Mark…and that unmistakeable laugh.

Have an excellent day!