Friday, November 20, 2009

Memories Linger

Memories are something that no one can take away. I have vivid memories starting around two years old. One of my best memories was from July 5, 1981. I was a few months shy of five years old, but there I was at my Uncle Jack's house playing catch with him in the backyard.

I can remember feeling so much joy in that one simple act. Playing catch with my uncle may have only lasted a few minutes, maybe less, but at that age, it seemed like an eternity. I was in complete bliss.

I imagine that we were at some type of barbecue, since it was the day after the fourth of July. I also remember that I chose not to watch my favorite movie that had just started on cable, The Blues Brothers (which I had all of the dialogue memorized by that time). Instead, I went out in my aunt and uncle's backyard to play catch.

My uncle saw how much I enjoyed playing with the baseball, so he inscribed it for me. He spelled my first name out on the sweet spot and underneath he wrote, "FROM UNCLE JACK 7-5-81". I still have that ball today and whenever I want a quick smile, I'll pull that ball out and reminisce.

My Uncle Jack passed away on Wednesday in Florida. He was in the middle of playing golf, so I can take comfort that he was doing something he loved in his last moments.

I didn't see him very much over the years. My dad's side of the family only gets together for weddings and funerals, mainly. I did get to visit him when I got my driver's license. He sold me my first auto insurance policy. He shook my hand and offered his congratulations.

It's those little moments that I will always remember. If this blog is lacking in the new post department over the next few days, now you know why. This weekend my mission is to find a ball holder for that ball.

6 comments:

capewood said...

My condolences. But what a great story. One of my early great memories is my first live baseball game with my Uncle Joe.

Hackenbush said...

My condolences. What a great memento of nice time in your life.

night owl said...

What a nice memory.

shoeboxlegends said...

Sorry to hear about your uncle, but it's great that you've got that baseball. Awesome post!

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about your loss, Steve, but I appreciate you sharing your special memory. If there is anything I can do to help(finding a baseball holder or if you need to talk), please don't hesitate to ask.

csd said...

Sorry to hear about your loss, but that was a great memory.

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