Uncle Ian
He did not drink – that single fact
(As Methodist, from years way back)
Meant finding ways to socialize,
And be himself – helped make him wise.As host, he learned to value food,
Fine talk (though quiet), humor good;
He learned to set each one at ease,
Attention focused on their needs.As medic (T-R) always learned
New ways – new thought he never spurned
Without a sober reasoned thought;
He to his teaching research brought.To me, decoded obtuse words
Which I from cancer-doctors heard;
With patience he would walk me through
Life-giving options I could do.He told me once, "My room-mate said
White-cells are formed by ‘thought’, as led;
For templates shaping each resource
To fit invaders are just ‘force’."Which speaks to me of how life works –
That's how God heals – Love's thought and force
Which planned upon creation day,
Yet stayed involved – He stayed in play."His quiet humor, easy way,
Like plaque, "A balanced diet", says
"A cookie in each hand" – enjoy
Each gift of God – stay girls and boys.He was a proper sort of man;
My sloppiness put great demands
On patience – yet he let me walk
My crazy ways, speak crazy talk.For "Live, let live" was his delight,
It let him walk what he found right,
Yet stay well grounded in our mix,
Freed from an impetus to fix –The way we others did our lives;
He modeled how a person thrives,
Each in his way, as Savior leads,
As graced through life, and Spirit feeds.It was not easy, challenge wracked
His soul – at times the strength he lacked
To face the weight which pressed in then –
Perhaps at last they'll meet again.For when at last old people die,
More friends they have in heaven's sky
Than here on earth – they have withdrawn –
Our setting sun, their new life's dawn.Lord, we will miss him here on earth,
A part of life since from my birth;
I well recall their wedding time –
When John was born – hat-bying time.Lord thank you for him in my life,
My uncle – husband to his wife,
The sister of my dad (now passed);
May good reunions be at last.navigation