My Uncle Jack died this past week. He was 67 years old. I found out as I arrived in Zimbabwe. I’ve been thinking about Uncle Jack a lot this
week. There are two memories I have that
really capture what he meant to me.
Uncle Jack was my biology teacher in 10th grade
and the high school principal when I was in 11th and 12th. For some reason, my most vivid memory of
Uncle Jack was a very simple encounter from high school. One day as I was walking down the main
corridor of FHS toward the office and the main entrance, Uncle Jack caught me
from behind, put his arm across my back and gripped my shoulder while we walked
together down the hall. I have no idea
what we talked about; but I was a shy, insecure kid, and that simple act never
left me. I have a feeling that he had
some idea he was sharing with me, or maybe he was just checking on how I was
doing; but I like to think that we were conspiring together to do something
wonderful. Perhaps we are still carrying
it out.
The last memory I have of Uncle Jack was from Josh and Marni’s
wedding last September. As always, he
met me with a firm handshake and several questions about what I was doing. He listened intently with his mouth partway
open and his eyes focused on me as if I were the only person in the room
telling him the most fascinating thing he had ever heard. When I had finished, he leaned back slightly with
that same expression and then the unforgettable smile reflexively took over his
face and a slow shake of his head communicated his approval without words.
Reflecting on Uncle Jack, I remember something I first
realized upon the death of my college advisor and mentor several years ago. There is no higher honor in life than the
affirmation of someone you esteem highly.
My uncle had a way of bringing forward the best of my character and
affirming the good. I will always be
grateful for him and will remember him with honor, respect and joy.
________________________
“Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things.” I Corinthians 13:7
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