It's hard to say goodbye!

I am sorry to say this will not be a happy letter about my wonderful life in Georgia or how much I love my husband. Instead I am dedicating this week's letter to my Uncle Ray who passed away Monday night. Many of you had the chance to meet him and knew him for his long, drawn out stories of his past. Ray was one of those special people that could take 30 minutes to tell you something that would only take us 5 minutes. There were plenty of times I thought, please don't tell that story again. There were times I wouldn't pay attention to his story but when he started to laugh I would too. Then there were times I loved hearing about him working in the Feed Mill, or what his ma would cook for dinner (and you ate it or else). I had the privilege of being Ray's pick of the family I should say. At one time Ray, Mama, Pop and I lived in NJ together for about 3 years. I thought I would share some of our good times with you.

When I first met Ray he would only wear dress black pants and button up shirts. I was determined to get him into some jeans if it killed me. So Garth Brooks came to town and I had to go see him. I decided to sleep outside the record store all night so I could be first in line. Guess who  slept on the sidewalk right next to me..... YES, RAY!!!! I was 2nd he was 3rd in line. I am telling you, for a 65 year old man he stuck it out with me. As the concert approached I told Ray he had to go get some new clothes, so I took him down to the store and yes, got him some jeans, cowboy shirt, boots, he was looking sharp for a 65 year old man.

There were times when Mama and Pop would be out of town and it would be just me and Ray home. Sometimes I felt like an old married couple. I would come home for work and he would say, let's go out for dinner. Off we would go to some restaurant and sit across from each other and talk about our day. Then off to the laundromat to do clothes, then home to watch some tv. Ray was always the gentleman and had to pay for my dinner all the time. If we were shopping he would always buy you something you didn't need or want but the thought would get you every time. There is no telling how many knick knacks Mama and I have that we can't seem to let go of.

There was the time he got sick and wouldn't go to the dr. Pop tried to take him he wouldn't move. I came home and said, Ray get in the truck I am taking you to the dr.!!!!!  He looked like a little kid sitting in that truck pouting as I took him to the dr. But I did get him the smoking patch which I am sure gave him more time with us.

Then when Steven was born I lost Uncle Ray! I was no longer the apple of his eye Steven was. According to Ray everyone else in the world was wrong but STEVEN. Whatever Steven wanted he got. That was until about 2 years ago when the two of them started butting heads. OMG!!!!! There were times Ray would aggravate him just for fun and lord knows Steven did the same. But every time we left Ray both of them would be teary eyed.

So for those of you who knew Ray take a moment and see if you can find a happy thought and cherish it forever. Ray was an old man, who was set in his own way, and he had a heart of gold. He loved us all in his own way. Now we all have a special guardian angel watching over us.

So I say to my Uncle, friend, dinner partner, laundry mate, concert pal, story teller. Go rest in Peace with your family, enjoy your new home and new body. Thank you for being a part of our lives. I love you and will miss you.

Love Darlene Brady

P.S. Please keep Pop in your prayers!!!!!!