As we finish packing to leave to head back up to Oklahoma this morning, we will be burying one of the greatest men I ever knew. My Uncle Chuck who I still can not believe is gone. I thank God that I was with him when he took his last breath .I know he is happy because he is in Heaven with my Uncle Charlie and my daughter Suzzane. Suzzane loved her Uncle Chuck more than life which I also did and still do.
It’s funny as kids we do not think about people being different we just know we love someone. I would like to share a story with you about my Uncle Chuck. I;m 50 years old born in the 60s.When I grew up we didn’t hear much about people being “GAY,”.
In fact, I don’t think I even learned what :being gay” was until I was a grown up. Uncle Chuck was and gay his partner died when I was very young. Uncle Chuck never found another mate. Although at one time he fell in love with a young lady named Sherry. But Sherry married a man which Charlie had to learn to like because Sherry and Chuck remained not only best friends but sister and brother.
One thing I remember my dad saying is “he didn’t understand why his FAMILY had to have Gay” people in it. We may have had more than most. Not only was my Uncle Gay so is my Cousin Jeffery which doesn’t bother me. Although I know, bother my dad because he is a little old school and this shouldn’t happen. But it did, and I’m Proud of my dad which having a Gay brother and nephew didn’t stop him my dad from loving his family and taking care of them..
With my Uncle’s passing, it only leaves my dad and his sister who do not get along that well. I Pray God mends some fences today and they can move past some things my dad said and become closer. They will need each other more than ever now. Once they do this, it will allow my dad and my nephew to mend fences as well.
I do not want to lose my Aunt because my dad can be mean and hateful even though I do not think he realizes it. I Pray both my dad and my Aunt make it through the Funeral and neither get sick as there Health isn’t good. With both being close to there brother anything at all can happen, and it scares me.
More than that I hope my David fit’s in as he is so different from our family and that Charlie is on his best behavior. That what I wear today is acceptable. As my Aunt is funny and can say things that aren’t too nice and I don’t want her to hurt my family. Or for my Aunt to hurst my sisters feelings which she did at the Hospital the last time we saw Chuck. Also, she hurt Charlie’s feelings, and he didn’t do anything wrong, making Charlie being around her.
I’m scared to leave her to drive to Oklahoma today as the Weather isn’t too good and the car we are using was messing up the other day. I’m Praying the car doesn’t break down and someone has to come and get us. I do not want to miss the visitation this evening. Please Lord allow us to get there safely and back home safely.
As all of this, goes through my mind my stomach is in knots. I have to finish cleaning the house. Then Pack and stop by my mother n laws to pick up a shirt up for Charlie. Then run to Walmarts to grab a new coat for Charlie before we can even leave. Please let nothing prevent us from being on the road when we are supposed to start.
RIP
Uncle Chuck
You will never be FORGOTTEN!!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
