A TRIBUTE TO UNCLE TC...A blessing to all who knew him

I am paying tribute to one of my mom's older brothers who recently passed away. His name is  T.C.   This is a photo taken  in May, 2008.  The most amazing thing about him was his age.  He passed away at age 97.  He lived alone and took care of himself right up to the day he passed away.  He was totally alert, extremely intelligent and went to his rifle club every day to compete with his friends in sharp shooting competition.  He was active in the State and National conventions for sharp shooting.  He always won gold medals.  Why?  There was no one else in his age level. However, his sharp shooting won him many gold medals and recognition during his lifetime of competition.  He was married over 50 years to his very beloved wife (now passed) and has two daughters and several grandchildren.  I once needed phone numbers for my cousin, his daughter,  and without a moments hesitation,  he rattled off two cell numbers and a home phone number.   This was when he was 96.  He is well loved and respected by all who knew him.

My cousin Patty told this sweet story about our very special Uncle.

Patty and Uncle TC were in his car on their way to visit his sister in the hospital.   My aunt Jean,(my namesake) had a bypass for her heart.  She was 86 at the time.  Patty was giving directions and Uncle TC missed the turn.  Patty said, "Uncle TC you missed the turn."  His calm reply was, "That's what these, as he patted the steering wheel, were put in a car for."

He had a calm unassuming demeanor all of his life.  I clearly remember our last conversation on the phone.  He said as we hung up the phone, "I love you honey."

I treasure those words and always will.

I found this poem and I believe it says what he would like to say to us upon his passing.

Miss me, but let me go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free

Miss me a little - but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go
For this is a journey that we must all take
And each must go alone
It's all a part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely, and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go

Anon

GOODBYE UNCLE T.C.

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND YOU WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS FOREVER.

In loving memory, Jeanne

Please note:  My quilt project will resume on Monday

Comments

[The Muse]

What a kind tribute...I am sure, even now, he is most honored! (hugs to you and your family)

[Beverly]

I know how much you loved him, and I know how much he loved you and your sisters. I wish you could have seen him one last time.

I love all of the stories you have shared about your family. Have you started on that book yet?

Love you.

[Dawn]

He sounds like a remarkable man, the kind we'd all like to know! I am very sorry for your loss of Uncle TC.

I love that poem. I made a little memory/photo book of my father with the same poem. It is very moving.

take care,
Dawn

[Shelia]

Hi Dear Jeanne! I've missed you! Oh, I'm sorry to hear of your dear uncle's passing, but what an outstanding man he must have been! What a blessing to live to be that age and still be able to think and take care of himself. My prayers are with you and your family!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

[racheld]

Jeanne,

Hugs and prayers for your pang of loss, and a smile for the great joy of having known and lived near such a wonderful man. What a gentleman!

rachel

[Mary]

What a lovely man - I know he will be so missed and I send condolences to your family Jeanne.
The words are so beautiful - I must share them with my friend who just lost her husband, she's coming to stay at the end of this week. We will hang out just remembering him and the 40+ years of wonderful times we shared.

Hope you are well dear and enjoying milder weather now. I got to SuzAnna's yesterday with Vanessa who just returned from Brazil - Susie was celebrating a birthday with cupcakes and coffee - luckily it was a warmish day and we had a fun time. Bob met us later and we took Vanessa to dinner at our favorite Thai restaurant!

Hope to see you this Spring! Hugs - Mary.

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

This is so beautiful, Jeanne.

My sweet Aunt Helen passed away Friday morning. She would have been 90 this year. She was an exceptional influence on my life and always a safe harbor for me, as I was growing up. She suffered the horrible disease Alzheimer's, beginning in her 70's. The last time I saw her, she remembered me and we had a wonderful chatty time. I hold that memory close to my heart, along with all the extra special memories, that I've thought of, so often over these past two days.

[Mary]

You are so blessed to have had such a wonderful dear man in your life. God bless him, I know you will miss him dearly.
Hugz~

[Lorrie]

Oh Jeanne, this is a wonderful post, such a loving tribute to your uncle. He sounds like a very special man. How amazing to live to be 97 and be independent until the end. I know you will miss him so, but how thankful you must be for a life so well lived.

[Yoli ~ Apron Senorita]

Jeanne, that was a beautiful tribute to your uncle. One day the Lord will bring us all home and we shall see our family again.

[Oakley Commit Sunglass]

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