My Memory & My Forgetter: Rest In Peace to My Uncle Bill

My uncle Bill passed away on July 20 of this year. He lived to be almost 80 years old which to me, is pretty amazing. He was pretty quiet but every time he spoke it was almost always something I found value in. He didn't waste words, he always meant something from the heart when he spoke, at least when it came to me. I appreciate that very much and I love him for it.

During his memorial service the preacher gave a really good sermon. It was so good it actually didn't feel much like a sermon, it felt like he was just up there droppin' knowledge on you. During his sermon he touched on something I'll probably never forget and I wanted to share that here.

He spoke about how sometimes he realizes that his memory isn't working very well anymore. He used the example of putting something down in his home and coming back to find it and it not being there, searching for it incessantly, even getting to the point where he would blame others and say they took it. I think this is something many of us have done before and coming from him and the way he delivered his sermon the crowd found it humorous because he was an older guy. But this was his example of how his memory just isn't there anymore. And the reason he surmised, was because his "Forgetter" was working far better than his memory (again, he was an older guy, like 60+ older). I thought this was pretty funny considering we "all have our moments".

He went on to speak on how what needed to be remembered most was that we were at a memorial, a celebration of life, and a celebration of what God gave. And most importantly, to not be sad because that day wasn't about what God had taken away but what he gave 80 years ago. He gave the world my uncle like he's given the world all of us. He gave my uncle 80 years in this world filled with memories, relationships, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. And because of those memories, relationships, and people, God continues to give through my uncle.

The more I thought about it, the more I appreciated the sentiment. Again, 80s years is a LONG time. We all say we want to live to be 70, 80, 90, maybe even 100 years old. But do we all really think we'll make it to 70, let alone 80 years of age? My uncle lived a great life and showed love daily and was loved by many. I am happy that he was a part of my life and that he was able to be recognized sincerely as a great man at his memorial service by those who knew him. It was a great service and I feel like I left with a few things that'll stick with me for a long time, my memory, my forgetter (lol), and the point that God taketh away but he also gives us more than we can fully appreciate.