Dear Uncle Joel
I know adults never realize what impact they have on children but so often the smallest things leave the greatest memories. For me, it was you, wiggling your ears, first one side, then the other. This was incredible. It seemed like the most amazing act any human could do. I tried so hard to wiggle my ears, concentrated on trying to raise my scalp, one side, then the other, but it never worked for me. Never, ever. I don't even know if your own children experienced this magic. I can only assume they tried and maybe one of them, or one of your grandchildren, was able to make this magic their own.
I heard you passed away today and that makes me so sad. You are my father's younger brother, and that loss is huge to me. Not just for myself, but for my cousins, their children and their childrens' children.
I love you, uncle, Joel, and pray that you are resting in the arms of your parents, your children, and will be there when my time comes. Time here is short and every gift is meaningful.
With love,
Sharon
