There are a handful of people who, by my knowing them, have made life so much sweeter.
My 7th grade language arts teacher, challenged me to reach beyond my abilities and compete in the school spelling bee.
A former boss who gave me not one but two breaks in the work world.
Friends who taught me how to be supportive of others by example when they were by their being supportive of me.
And then there was my uncle Ragnal.
This was taken the last time I saw my uncle Ragnal.
Uncle Ragnal was a tall, soft-spoken man who, nonetheless, knew how to get your attention when your attention needed getting.
I remember the funny stories he told in monotone that made them that much funnier.
He sent me funny cards in the mail after I sent him the first. I thought I was helping him at a low point in his life, but actually he helped me.
And Uncle Ragnal gave me a gentle kick in the ass a couple of times when I really needed it. There are few people in the world who will care enough about you to do that for you; treasure them.
My Uncle Ragnal died this week. I feel incredibly sad because I’ll never again have the chance to laugh at him, or feel the sting of his gentle rebuke.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ragnal.
So sorry for your loss. But you have your memories.
Posted by pensitivity101 | January 2, 2016, 2:56 AMA lovely tribute to your uncle. May he rest in peace.
Posted by zdunno03 | January 2, 2016, 3:10 AMEveryone here is sending you love and soft purring. We all need an Uncle Ragnal in our lives. You were especially blessed to have him in yours.
Posted by Annabelle Essert (@RainbowCatsx8) | January 2, 2016, 3:18 AMI am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of all your happy times together comfort you during this time.
Posted by Isaiah's Mom | January 2, 2016, 3:33 AMSo sorry for your loss… Thinking of you
Posted by suzie81speaks | January 2, 2016, 3:45 AMI am sorry for your loss dear Jen, my thoughts with you. Rest in Peace your beautiful uncle. Love, nia
Posted by niasunset | January 2, 2016, 4:08 AMWe are sorry for your loss. This year we lost two close relatives . . . so many memories and the older one is it seems harder, somehow. Pip
Posted by mrpipponders | January 2, 2016, 4:35 AMI’m sorry your lovely Uncle got his wings xx
Posted by bumpyroadtobubba | January 2, 2016, 4:56 AMWhat a lovely tribute to Uncle Ragnal. His legacy lives in you and in the rest of the lives he touched. May he rest in peace.
Posted by Genevieve Petrillo | January 2, 2016, 4:59 AMSo sorry to hear that this dear soul has left this life but he will still be watching over you and he will still make you laugh and pull you up sharp if needed.xxx
Posted by willowdot21 | January 2, 2016, 5:51 AMSo sorry about your Uncle.
Posted by Catherine Johnson | January 2, 2016, 6:43 AMSo sorry for your loss. It’s lovely that you have such good memories of him - they will last a lifetime.
Posted by Fiona † (@Fizza09) | January 2, 2016, 7:06 AMSo sorry for your loss. Everyone has a few people who are life changers and it sounds like your uncle was one of those!
Posted by Kate Crimmins | January 2, 2016, 8:16 AMMy deepest condolences on your loss.
Posted by bitcodavid | January 2, 2016, 8:47 AMSending big,comforting hugs to you.
Posted by Mickey's Musings | January 2, 2016, 10:11 AMSo sorry to read about your loss. What you wrote is a beautiful homage to your Uncle Ragnal.
Posted by The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap | January 2, 2016, 10:25 AMVery sorry to read of your loss, Jen.
Posted by Catwoods | January 2, 2016, 11:40 AMI”m so sorry for your loss. You were very lucky to have had him in your life.
Posted by BJ Pup (Lynda) | January 2, 2016, 2:04 PMMy condolences on your loss, Jen.
Posted by Alejandro De La Garza | January 2, 2016, 4:11 PMI’m very sorry to hear about your uncle, Jen. Losing someone dear is always hard…
Posted by marina kanavaki | January 2, 2016, 4:31 PMSo sorry for your loss. Your tribute to him was lovely *hugs*
Posted by Christine | January 2, 2016, 4:51 PMSo sorry for your loss; we are blessed by having such people in our lives; may sweet breezes of mercy float over and around you
Posted by sorrygnat | January 2, 2016, 5:13 PMWhat a nice tribute. RIP Uncle Ragnal.
Posted by corkscot | January 2, 2016, 7:14 PMSo sorry for your loss of a clearly remarkable man. May fond memories cushion your loss and pain. 🙂
Posted by Tails Around the Ranch | January 3, 2016, 9:29 AMSo sorry to hear of your loss…. Uncle Ragnal is now your Angel watching out for you from above ❤
Posted by Donna Nielsen | January 3, 2016, 9:34 AMI am truly sorry for your loss xx
Posted by Jenna,Mark “HuskyCrazed” Drady | January 3, 2016, 11:03 AMSo sorry to hear of your loss .. He sounded like a great guy
Posted by Julie@frogpondfarm | January 3, 2016, 1:31 PMI’m very sorry for your loss, Jen….your uncle Ragnal looked so gentle… we can tell from his picture….I lost my precious aunt two month ago….I know that human don’t live forever but still feel very sad…..Please rest in peace Uncle Ragnal.
Posted by eripanwkevin | January 6, 2016, 1:07 AMI am deeply saddened my your loss. I had this concept when I was a kid that people live forever than I loss my dad and I realized that it wasn’t true so we needed to hold on to the dreams they the instill in us and carry us through. Your Uncle Ragnal sounds like a wonderful man who knew when you needed that kick in the pants and when to give you a hug that is a wonderful aspect to have cherish your memories. RIP Uncle Ragnal
Posted by mlblogsredsoxlady35/lighthousekat | January 28, 2016, 6:44 AM