Memories of my Uncle

I was on one of my social media websites when I found out one of my acquaintances' dad died today.  I tried to offer some advice, mostly to share the good memories with people close to you.  I know some family members of mine read this blog, at least I hope so, so here's some memories of my uncle who died November 30th, 2018.

I became close to him when Dad and his wife lived in Bremerton.  On occasions, we’d go across the Sound to listen to him preach.  I’ll never forget when he played the clip from the Gandhi biopic where Gandhi tells the man who orphaned a boy over religious differences, he must raise him as the man he murdered would’ve raised him, in HIS religious traditions.  It helped me know that God’s character is not bound by religions or barriers men make, but shatters them boldly and mightily.  

I would often go to concerts between 2012 and 2016, and he often volunteered to drive me there.  The first of these was Iron Maiden at the White River Amphitheater, which was also special because it was my first metal concert, as well.  Jon, in his car in the parking lot, recognized the post-concert song Iron Maiden played on the speakers, “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life” from Monty Python’s Life Of Brian, the only musical number I know being sung by people being crucified.  

There were several highlights as the years went on, Lynyrd Skynyrd with Bad Company, Def Leppard twice at the White River Amphitheater, Paramore at the KeyArena, Miley Cyrus at the Tacoma Dome, as well as Judas Priest at the same venue, and Whitesnake at the Emerald Queen Casino.  I remember telling him Miley sang Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” to which he was somewhat impressed, he liked country music.  Even from a distance, he helped me.  

When I was feeling low in the conservative Church I would later leave, he helped me learn of the books and Twitters of Brian D. McLaren and Rachel Held Evans, the second of whom is now with my uncle in Heaven.  

The last event I went to with his help was a Tacoma Rainiers game against the Omaha Stormchasers.  It was fun to see baseball players that went on to make an impact for the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals.  

The last time I saw him was the Veteran’s Day weekend of 2018, about two weeks before his fatal heart attack.  He seemed fine, I had no reason to suspect anything was wrong.  Then I got the phone call on December 1^st.  I found it difficult to respond or move, but ultimately, I carried out my plan for the day and saw Ralph Breaks The Internet in the local theater.  And I had a good time I desperately needed right then.