Uncle Chuck

My uncle got the flu which gave him double pnemonia which sent him to ICU where he fought for his life for the past week and a half. He lost that battle this afternoon. I am sad. Sad for my grandma. Sad for my mom... I want to hug her. Aching for my cousin who lived with him and I imagine knew him best. My thoughts and prayers are heavy for them right now.

I did not know Uncle Chuck super well. My parents were so good about taking us to Colorado every year to visit and so as a child we saw him a lot. I remember wanting whatever car Uncle Chuck had when I grew up because he always had the coolest cars. As an adult, I have not spent a lot of time with him. But as I've been reflecting the past few hours, I feel a lot of gratitude for a recent memory I have. The most beautiful outdoor adventure I have ever been on was with Uncle Chuck a few years back. Mom and Grandma watched the girls and Jared, Colby, & I went with Uncle Chuck on a jeep trail in Colorado. It was a little scary at times but mostly fun and breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the picture - I told you he had cool cars! We stopped at the Continental Divide and hiked. We took pictures. We ate. We talked. And we rode. Thank you Chuck for that memory! I have and will forever treasure that day. I miss you Charlie Brown.