Wednesday, December 24, 2014

My Wish This Christmas

I wish you love.

The lyrics from a Natalie Cole song. And a sentiment I've been thinking a lot about this Christmas Eve. 

This past week, my family lost someone very special, my beloved Uncle Sonny. The story of his character, his heart, and his incredible life could fight its way through page seams, take off on an endless, runaway scrawl, too fervent and restless for this small space.

So I'll say only this. His voice was always very quiet. You had to lean in to hear it. He had a way of speaking that made it sound like he was constantly reaching for his breath. But his words were always certain. And anyone who knew him, knew how easily and honestly he said I love you.  It's hard to explain. A rare thing for a man of his generation. He said these words multiple times at every encounter I have ever had with him, a repetition that was insistent but always tender and genuine, never strange. It was as if he had to make sure, without a doubt, I knew.

My Uncle Sonny was the patriarch of our family, many years older than my mother, and, so, in a way, grandfather to me. When I think of all he built in his 82 years here, I think of this constant affirmation, his foundation of love.

I wish it for everyone. I wish for love's insistence.

6 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry, Melissa. Your words are a beautiful tribute to him.

    I wish you love as well.

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  2. Hugs to you and your family, Melissa. Wishing you peace this Christmas and thinking of your Uncle Sonny, too.

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  3. So sorry to you and your family for your loss <3

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  4. I am so sorry for your loss, Melissa. I hope that your family can be together to comfort each other.

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  5. Melissa, I'm very late in sending my condolences. So very sorry for your loss. That's a lovely tribute to your uncle.

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  6. Sorry to hear about your Uncle Sonny. He sounds like a real character, and a great man!

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