What I wanted to say...

As some of you know Deb and I drove down to my Uncles funeral Friday and Saturday. There was a large turn out and because of the storms on the west coast we didn't have any power so things were just a little crazy. At the end of the service at the church there was a moment taken for people to say something about my Uncle and how he had touched their lives. Well as luck would have it, it seemed to run a little long and I didn't get the opportunity to say what I had on my mind. I hadn't really prepared anything so I was going to wing it. Well it is weighing heavy on me and I was wondering if my freinds here would let me share what my heart is burdened with? My Uncle was a funny, gentle man. He could crack a joke and lite up a room in a heart beat. He had a smile that would just warm your soul. He had compassion for everyone and everything and everyone shared their fond memories of his gentle soul and how he had touched each and every one of them. I however, was touched by my uncle in a way I don't think he ever realized. Funny how Christian men touch lives just living theirs through the lord and thier faith. I remember the way he loved my Aunt Dorothy more than anything else on this earth. I can't tell you how many times I caught him rolling his eyes because she had come up with some crazy kinda idea or made some comment that he thought was nuts. However if ever there was a woman that knew she was loved it is my Aunt. She was his princess. I watched their love affair develope for at least 44 years of my life. Unfortunatley my parents Marriage wasn't so lucky as to have that kind of love and tenderness. I saw my Aunt and Uncles and vowed to become the kind of man that could put someone elses wants and needs ahead of my own just for the satisfaction of making them happy. I came to realize that over the years my Uncle's faith was a driving factor in his ability to love her so completely because he trusted in the Lord to meet his spiritual needs and provide for them both. At a time when my life was surrounded by infedelity, drug and alcohal abuse by my parents, I was able to look to him as someone that I could follow and strive to be the strong Christian man he was. He showed me the true meaning of a "Man". Any man that can put his physical and emotional needs aside for someone they love is a man of courage and strong faith. He managed to show me time and time again that a real man is a servant of the Lord and to be able to serve and provide for his loved ones was as close to Christ as you'll ever be. Well, While we were finishing up the services and we were passing by my Aunt Dorothy and hugging her and saying our good byes. She whispered in Debs ear that Uncle Duane had told her "Crews sure got him a special girl this time and he is a lucky man". Needless to say Deb just broke up right there. Me, I knew this all along and Uncle Duane if you're tuned into this right now rest assured, she's my princess and because of you I know how to truly love her like a man should. She will be cherished forever because of you. I love you, Crews P.S. everyone thanks for letting me say this amoung my "other" family. Sparky

it's I who want to Thank YOU for sharing a part of your life with me.. Thanks Sparky it's awesome to see that your uncle has paid it forward.. and now so are YOU.. and if I'm not mistaken I bet one of them grandkids is keeping a close eye on you and will do the same some day!!! love ya bunches

another well said message.....i just love the pay it forward thing....lately i have been making it a point to tell people in the elevator at work nice comments and "have a nice day" and i can tell it brightens up their day....we gotta keep it alive....

What was so amazing was listening to how many other lives he touched. He and my Aunt took in several foster kids over the years so that alone accounted for the big turn out. I hope they are Rhonda cause that is what life is really alla bout. Whenh I wake every morning I try to lift up at least one soul a day. Fortunatley workin at the VA the oportunity usually presents itself everyday. Love you too and thanks for listening to an old sentimental fools ramble on.

Thanks for sharing such a profound message with us Sparky. It's amazing what blessings flow our way when we give ourselves to others freely and in the name of love.

you say things so well in so little words...you are awesome and I love you!

Ya know Dawn ain't it what life is really all about? I mean when we set our prejeduces aside and learn to see people through there addictions and flaws ( a concept I work on everyday) there is a world out there to touch! Sparky

(((((((((((((((((((((((BOB)))))))))))))))))) First of all, I am not sure what happened to your uncle and how it happened so fast....but I am so sorry for your loss.....man has your schedule been a whirlwind lately....I hope you get some time for you..... Secondly, THANK YOU for sharing that beautiful story....you had me in chills and with tears in my eyes....how beautiful it was....and know that your uncle is your angel and smiling down reading this and listening to your heart! YES, Crews scored BIG TIME with Debs....she is an incredible woman....but she scored BIG TIME with you too....you guys are such a beautiful couple and we are so happy for you..... Finally, we are your "other" family and are here for you in all cir****tances....I am so glad you shared this with us....am sure you touched other people like you have me!! Hugs BIG time, Annie

Ya know Annie he had severe back pain and they did an exray and found a mass then they found it in his lungs and discovered cancer. If I'm not mistaken they said this is where they said it started. He went through the usual routine and was in extreme pain. I fortunatley was able to help with a cushion for the car and a four wheeled walker that helped him get to the bathroom. I did discover that in the end he got a kick out of have a cathiter and being able to pee while having coffee with his two sons. They joked about that at the funeral. Hey was a man with a great sense of humour and a positive attitude in the worste of times. He was loved. Ah I got the best end of the deal with my marriage. She is an amazing woman and I don't deserve but the Lord has blessed me for whatever reason. Maybe he had pitty on me? Love ya sweetie! Sparky

i have to say sparky i am so wonderfully touched by what you've said for your uncle and i think you are an amazing man and wise to see those things and to put them to use in your own life funny thing as i sat in church the sermon today was quite similar to what you said here today I now know this is the way i want to live my life and i want to be able to love someone so much that their needs and well being go above and beyond other things you all have touched my life in that way before i came on here last year i think i just was very self absorbed in my own pain and issues but you have all taught me so much and i see in you and rhonda and ann and so many other on here the woman i want to be you are all such a blessing in my life and have helped to renew my faith . thank you for being you and i pray the pain of your loss in overshadowed by the beauty your uncles life brought to you and your family.(sorry if i got a lil corny on you all i just love ya'll so darn much and you have made such a big impact on my life) love Mandy