My uncle is dying. Visited with him last week; so polite and gracious.
He was the one who introduced me to rock climbing, mountain climbing, and hiking down large canyons. I owe two of my top 10 life days to him: climbing the Grand Teton and hiking rim-to-rim-to-rim in the Grand Canyon.
I asked him who he's most interested in seeing when he moves to the other side: his parents and his son who died of cancer back in the mid-80s (all three died within the span of 6 months). It will be a great reunion.
He did a lot of good things in his life: great husband and father, helped the fatherless (me), and a lot of other things. You'd probably have a difficulty determining all the "other things" as he wouldn't have talked much about it.
On one of our trips, we were playing some popular rock music. I was impressed that he liked it (or at least feigned interest). He didn't like Pink Floyd's, "The Wall" - so he wasn't perfect. :)
I asked him to say "hi" to my grandparents for me. He agreed.
His body is shutting down. Systems failing. He's suffered through it with courage.
Back in the day, we made an attempt on Mt. Sneffels. Somewhere maybe we got off route. It got kind of dangerous so we turned around - not far from the summit. So, it's on my list of unfinished hikes.
About 5 years ago, he called me. He and some of his kids/grandkids were climbing Mt. Timpanogos. I had something else happening and didn't join him. Turns out, that was his last hike. I don't remember what I thought was more important.
He maintained an "Adventure Log" of all the adventures he did. There are hundreds. I have a copy if you'd like to see it sometime. I was on some with him. So thankful for that...
I'm not a writer. I wish this tribute was more eloquent. For my audience - I think you get it and see this expression of love and gratitude.
See ya Unc. Thank you. You helped more than you know.
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| South rim - Grand Canyon - 2003 - 1/2 way through a 50-mile hike - rim-to-rim-to-rim |
Update (8/3/23). Frank died last night. He's enjoying a new adventure, I'm sure.
