Day 2 of November

What an amazing day; what an amazing service; what an amazing family; what an amazing man! Where to start. It was the memorial service for Uncle Len on Tuesday. To say the room what packed with friends and family would be an understatement. There were tears, lots of tears, but there were also lots of smiles. I know Uncle Len was proud and honored to have everyone at the service. But he would have also been a little annoyed that it takes a "funeral" to bring everyone together, when really all we need is a little effort. I truly don't understand why we wait. These "extended" family get togethers are always a blast. It's almost like any barriers are removed and everyone is just "themselves." It was so good to see everyone. All Uncle Len's sister's were there. And there was at least one representative from each of the families. That's how special Uncle Len was. Everyone loved him and he loved everyone. I know I could have stayed and visited all night; it was hard to leave. I know Mom had a great time. She was so happy to have all her kids there as well. Mom and I also had great conversations on the way to Carmangay and back. We reminiced, held hands, sang and laughed alot. I love those moments. To all my cousins, I am proud to say we are related.

We arrived back at Mom's by 9:30. We followed cousin Fred most of the way home. It almost takes longer to get across the city than to actually drive to Carmangay. I could go on and on about the day.....visits to Carmangay always bring back great memories. The old "hospital" house; sorting buttons; kick the can by the big - no the humungus tree in the back yard (or was it the front yard- I don't I knew which was the front or back of the house); the bunk beds; the train station; the ice cream down at the cafe; the haircuts by Paul; the pet duck that Doug had; Nestle chocolate milk powder overdose; the bathroom with no lock; the dirt basement; the piano; the Dr. Seuss books; the round dining room table you could never see; the colored water; the back door with that never locked; the discussion that one of the"Green" boys might be a vampire; the fuzzy tv screen to watch the hockey game; - I can close my eyes and remember it all.

So arrived home, changed and headed out to pick up Patrick from his soccer practice in Bearspaw. He sure seemed to glad to see me - or maybe he was glad to see my car. Either way I felt needed!!!

I actually started to compose this blog last night (De), but between being tired and Patrick hovering over me wanting the computer, I thought I'd finish it this morning. And finish it I have. I have 102 things left to do before I hit job number 3 or is it 4 today. Working at the Hamptons school and then soccer stuff. Somewhere I need to sneak into Chapters and get those Christmas cards out.

Here's the poem I wrote for Uncle Len

A husband, a father
A brother, a friend
But I know him best
As my dear Uncle Len

From when I was little
Til now that I'm grown
He's been the same man
That I've always known

From his belly grown laugh
To his music appeal
To his tricks with his teeth
At the end of a meal

His walk had a click
That I thought was cool
And the things he could make
With a wood working tool

So put a smile on your face
When you think of this man
Cause that's what he's doing
Looking down on the clan.

Love you Uncle Len.

Luv Stacey