Poems With Meaning

Uncle

To my dearest Uncle Joseph,

As we laid you into your final resting place yesterday, I couldn't help the tears that flowed as memories of our time spent together flooded my memory. I have shed many tears since you left us on Australia Day, always thinking of you. I remember you always let us watch your DVDs or play with your cars, every year that I can remember I have always gotten a birthday and Christmas card/gift from you. You never forgot about us or lost contact, and I suppose that's because I was your only niece. 

I will miss seeing you every year, even if you were in hospital or at home, I still loved seeing you. We may not have been as close as I am with my other aunts and uncles, but we had a relationship that was strong. Mum told me how you loved seeing us, especially when we were little. Whenever I look at my brother, I see your face and start to cry. He looks so much like you, and you both look like great-grandfather Bill Smith. 

I will even miss seeing your status updates on facebook complaining about dialysis and the wait for the ambulance and the crappy hospital staff. Even though you were suffering from illness, you never complained. I never heard you complain about your diabetes, or the fact you had gone into a coma, you just found something to laugh about instead. You were strong, and I admire that dearly.

You were taken from us too early, you were only 32. You had done so much in your small time, but you still had so many years ahead of you to do even more. It touched me when your Uncle said at the funeral service yesterday that you had plans to be a diabetes educator, and it pained me that you wouldn't be able to fulfil this dream of yours. 

But now there is no more suffering, no more pain. You are with God and your father who I never met, but you will be happy now. Now it's your turn to look after granny, repay her for the 32 years she has looked after you. Take care, Uncle, you will be dearly missed. 

Rest in peace, Uncle Joe. I love you. 

Love from your niece, Bek.