Retirement is a week filled with Saturdays and Sundays interrupted only occasionally by a holiday.

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Saturday, December 1, 2007

I Love You Too Frank

Today has been a difficult one for my entire family. I am writing this on a break from packing my suitcase for a trip to Georgia tomorrow with my cousin Ina and her nephew Brian. This morning Ina received the phone call we all dread...a family member has died. In this case it was Ina's beloved brother, Brian's father and my first cousin Frank.

There are no words to describe our grief. For me, Frank represented the older brother I never had. Although separated by time and miles for many years, his infectious laugh and bigger than life personality was always with me. And, when he would call my mom, she would giggle and laugh as he told her one story after another. We always said that Frank was her favorite.

So now the three of us will travel to Frank's home in Georgia tomorrow to make arrangements and take care of the necessary business which comes with death. We will cope as best we can and hopefully do what Frank would have wanted.

Rick reminded me today, after hearing the news, that Frank always said exactly the same phrase whenever he would call and one of us would answer the phone. Immediately we'd hear "I love you" followed by that laugh of his. What man starts a conversation like that? One who was full of life and love. And so today, I just want Frank to know that, wherever he is now, I love him too.

12 comments:

the moose buyer said...

Yours and Lynn's wonderful tributes to Frank are the best testimony to his life we all had the priviledge to share. I will miss him terribly. He was part of me for 59 years. He is now with Auntie Eveylyn, Uncle Bill and Dad filling them in on our present lives.

Someday, hopefully not too soon, we will all be together again. Until then, we will continue sharing stories and remembering the times spent together. We were sure lucky to have him in our family and fortunately, we always knew it and appreciated every moment.

Linda said...

I always think that when people die during the holiday season, its because God wants them in Heaven for the bigger celebration that goes on there then it does here on Earth. I guess that probably sounds somewhat sappy but it's what I believe.

My sincerest condolences on the loss of your cousin Frank and may God grant you and the rest of your family comfort and strength during this difficult time.

jaded said...

The man obviously had his priorities in order. His passing may have been premature, but he left no doubt about his feelings for his family...Beautiful.

Renee Nefe said...

I'm so sorry for you loss. From the tributes that you and Lynn have posted I can tell that Frank was a great man who was loved by many people. I know that he'll be joined by those who have gone on before him and saving you all a very nice place.

Please have a safe flight to Georgia and try to think of all the good times.

Mary said...

My sincere sympathies. My heart goes out to you, Joan. I will keep your family in my prayers. Be safe and lean on God when grief is overwhelming.

Blessings,
Mary

Carole Burant said...

Dear Joan, my deepest sympathies goes to you and your family. I had just read the news on Ina's blog so left her a comment then came right over here. Frank sounded like he was a wonderful man and he will certainly be missed by his family and friends. I'm thinking of you! xoxo

rosemary said...

I am sorry for your loss, Joan. Your post was a great tribute to Frank.

meno said...

He sounds like a wonderful person. I am so sorry. Travel safe and take care of each other.

Michele said...

I'll be thinking of you all. Stay safe.

Mom said...

It sure does hurt when we lose someone we love. Frank was a blessing in your life. cherish all the good memories and go ahead and cry.

Iamthebookworm said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking about you.

Patti said...

Joan,
I am so sorry for your family's loss.
You all have written movingly about your cousin Frank and what he meant to all of you.
Cherish all those wonderful memories.
I hope you have a safe trip back from Georgia.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Stay well.