Uncle Jim's, Can you Swim?

On Tuesday, March 26, our Uncle Jim passed away. (Obituary)

I really wish Carter could have gotten to know Uncle Jim better, he was so special to me. In fact, the title of this post is dedicated to Uncle Jim (actually the whole post is!). I used to think this was a hilarious question to ask him. I am not sure if it was the rhyme, or the fact that he had a pool-so it was ridiculous to think he could not swim! In fact, I have freinds who have asked about "Uncle Jim Can you Swim?" over the months to see how he was doing.

When I was little it seemed at times Uncle Jim was the only one interested in listening to me talk for hours at a time (in fact, I know at times he was!) I used to follow him around and ask him questions, sometimes waiting for an answer, but often not. Yet still, he let me follow. What a lesson that taught me, especially now having my own child-listening is the most important thing you can do, even when it is difficult (e.g. you are exausted, you want to hear yourself think, or in the teen years, you don't want to know, but probably should be listening most then).

Uncle Jim knew how to make everyone laugh-I think that this is the most important quality, if you don't have that, what do you have? Uncle Jim had a way of talking out of the side of his mouth, just loud enough so you could hear him, make a quiet comment, make you laugh, then before you know it the entire room is laughing. It was easy for him, and he made everyone so comfortable to be around him. I think Uncle Jim had a quality of making it easier for people to be around each other, they could forget why they were angry/sad/or whatever for just a moment.

I will miss you Uncle Jim-but I know you live on in our memories, in your children, and your grandchildren. We will always, always have you in our hearts and our minds. Thank you for giving us your time here-we are all so fortunate, and I know I speak for everyone who knows you when I say that the next time I laugh (and probably every time after that!) so hard it hurts, I am going to think of you.