My uncle passed away at the age of 35. He was 7 years older then I. I remember being fascinated with him as a child and following both him and my aunt Trudi all around. I'm sure at times it was annoying. I remember my uncle playing football in the front yard with his neighbors, Chuck and Pete Salazar, and wanting to join him all the time, probably the best. He'd eventually get annoyed and throw me and my brothers in the bushes as his way of getting us to go away. I never really rough housed with him much after those days. When we did see each other it was more of the casual conversation, "what you been doing? How are things going? Are you staying out of trouble?" and of course the occasional teasing, the big bear hugs, but other than that, there just wasn't much of a connection. To be honest I really had not felt much of a connection with my mother's family for years. Probably since around the time my parents divorced. It was almost like they had looked at me and my brothers differently, like we were more guests then family. Though I guess it never helped that we just weren't into the same things as they were. It seemed like most of the conversations had to do with hunting, camping, guns, fishing, and diesel trucks for the most part, and though I love camping, there just wasn't a lot to the conversations that I could contribute to.

Anyway, I knew that my uncle would see an early end. He had struggled with Type I diabetes since he was a kid. I know after studying the subject a few times between physiology classes and Nursing that not many did live long lives without many complications. At times I know that he also didn't take very good care of himself. Though I can't say that I always take good care of myself either. A few years ago it had finally taken hold of his kidneys and he was placed on a kidney and pancreas transplant list.The first time he had a transplant I went with my mom down to IMC to visit and be with my family during his surgery, though I never got to see him. I then heard the next day or so that he had rejected that transplant. He was then placed back on the list, and I guessed he had another one, though not sure when. But then when he went into back surgery a few months later, had caused problems with that transplant. Not too long later was doing dialysis for a few months. I guess around the time he was suppose to go back on the transplant list was the time he met his end.
Though I knew he was dying, I didn't think it would come this soon. I guess I was hoping to make a connection again before that had happened. I knew though I hadn't been close to him, that I would still feel a loss. I mean, I'll miss his teasing and hugs, but I think I feel more a loss for his children, and for my aunts and uncles, grandparents, and his friends that were closer to him. My tears came from the memories I had once shared with him as a younger child, that were finalized with his death. I know we weren't close, but I will miss you Uncle Jeffy.