Day to Day Scene: Sad news...

In July I got word that my Uncle Robert died. It was a bit of a shock for most of us. We knew he wasn't well, and had been ill since Easter. He was then diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and seemed to be okay, up and down. Then in a matter of days he just got progressively worse. Although it was only a few days from the doctors diagnosis to the day he died his family were able to be there for him. He was brought home and his wife Alma (my mom's sister) and son Larry and daughter Marita (yes same name as my sister!) were all with him until he passed away. They were all very grateful and appreciative of the opportunity they had to be with him right through till he passed away. We don't always get that chance. Although it's sad that Robert has gone, it's Alma and my cousins that I felt most for. They all loved him so much, and will miss him incredibally, and it's hard to be around that sadness.

So although the funeral was arranged within a few days I was able to arrange a flight and time off work to go to Italy for the funeral. It was sad to be around so many people who loved Robert so much, and I certainly will miss him on my next visit out, but the silver lining to this cloud was seeing so many friends and family together providing support for each other and laughing, and remembering Robert. There was a feeling of togetherness that was comforting.

Robert said somethig to me a few months before he died that I'll always remember. Something that I appreciated at the time, and more so now. I'd called to see if it was okay for Penny and I to come out and visit Alma and Robert at Easter if we could get cheap flights. It was the first time I'd spoken to Alma or Robert since I'd gotten back from my year of travelling. Robert and I had a bit of a chat and he said to me "You know Scott, I'm impressed, that was a hell of a thing you did last year, it must have been some experience." He didn't quite say he was proud of me, or anything quite like that, but the effect was the same. It was cool to hear, and made me feel kind of proud that he thought so. It was just cool.

So now that I've rambled on here are a few photo's of my Uncle Robert, and I think they show his humerous side, even though his 9 grandkids nickname for him was "grumps" it was always with love because they knew him so well.