The day has finally come that we knew would come too soon. My dear, dear, dear Uncle Don passed away this morning. He has battled cancer for too long and today the good Lord decided it was his time to come Home. I couldn't be there, in Phoenix, with him, but I know that Uncle Don knew that I loved him.
I have so many wonderful memories of my Uncle Don. He was a wonderful man. I was so happy that he made it home for my wedding. He had always promised me a dance at my wedding. He was so caring. And, Boy was he funny. Uncle Don was always good for a laugh. I remember the time that he came home to Indy in 2006. We all went out to Steak and Ale for dinner then back to Aunt Barb's. We sat and told story after story about growing up. I shared some great stories about Granny that he had never heard and he laughed so hard. I remember Barbara Joy telling me later that she hadn't seen him laugh that hard in a long time.
Then I think back a little farther to Las Vegas when Uncle Don and Barbara had their Vegas wedding in the chapel. Minutes before they walked down the aisle, Uncle Don asked me to sing, so of course I said yes...I couldn't say no to Uncle Don. Later that trip Uncle Don and Barbara Joy showed off their matching (fake) tattoos...they were so cute!
Before that I think of the countless Pampered Chef shows that Uncle Don hosted for my mom or went to because someone he knew booked a show with my mom. He loved to cook and even more loved to make those cheesecakes for my mom. I was so pleased that he could enjoy Steven's cheesecake when he was home for New Year's this year. Thinking about Don's love of cooking makes me think of all the times we would visit him in the restaurants...Grandma Goode's...remember that one, in Union Station?? Steak and Ale, and my favorite still to this day: The Old Spaghetti Factory. I loved when we would go downtown to visit Uncle Don at work!!
I even remember when Uncle Don took me to the Girl Scouts Father/Daughter dance when my dad had to work 2nd shift.
Remember Grandma and Grandpa Baker's 50th wedding anniversary? How fun was that day? I can still see us Polka-ing (is that a word) to the Beer Barrel Polka!
There are SOOOO many more memories that could be shared and maybe someday I will, but for now, I invite anyone to leave there own memories if they would like.
Uncle Don, I love you, but I'm so glad you aren't suffering here any more. Watch over all of us, just like you would do anyway. I'm really, really going to miss you.
