That Saturday, my mom, dad and Auntie Lois had to bring him into the ER as his ammonia levels were too high. This had happened before, and we thought he would be back at home the next day, so that we could celebrate Easter with him and take the usual picture in front of their house before we left Monday morning. However, God had different plans for us. Uncle Frank remained in the hospital that entire weekend, and before we left, we stopped by to pay him a visit.
That was honestly one of the hardest visits I think that I have ever had. As my wonderful, brave, caring, strong uncle laid there in his weakened state with a tight grip on my hand, I knew then how much I truly loved that man. You see, my Dad's dad died before I was born, I never had another older, male figure to look up to on his side of the family. Yes, Uncle Frank lived 12 hours away, but he just always seemed to be there and have the right words to say when we talked. His smile never left his face, and I know that he loved us so much.
For many years, Uncle Frank and Auntie Lois raised miniature horses on their farm. My love for horses came from that farm. Uncle Frank and I spend many hours in those barns talking about horses, brushes the horses, riding the horses, and feeding the horses. He was so "cool" to me. So, for that I thank you, Uncle Frank. You instilled a love in me that will not ever die.
When Mark and I went on our honeymoon back in January, we wanted to stop and spend an evening with Auntie Lois and Uncle Frank. They were so excited to see us. :') As soon as I walked in the door, Uncle Frank met me with a great big hug and told me over and over how happy he was that we came to see him. He said, "I told Lois that we should have gotten you guys a present for coming to see us." A present, Uncle Frank?! YOU were the present!!!
My final memory of my Uncle Frank is from that last night in the hospital with him that I previously talked about. The entire time we were in his room, I held his hand. As my husband, brothers, and Auntie Lois were also in the room, we all sat and visited for a while. As I sat and watched him in his weakened state, tears came down from my eyes. The sweet, strong, tough man that I knew, was getting older and more tired. He saw those tears fall from my eyes, and he looked at me and said "Don't cry, my dear. Please, don't cry." So, I sucked it up as best I could and continued on with our conversation. When it came time to leave, we took turns giving hugs and saying "I love you's". When it came time for my turn, I grabbed Uncle Frank's hand again, wrapped him up in a big hug, and simply sobbed into his arms. What a model of a perfect man he was for me. I told him how much I loved him, and as I began to pull away he repeated many times "We were made for each other." At first I thought he was just confused and was taking me for Auntie Lois, instead. However, looking back, I know that he meant those words for me, because you see, we WERE made for each other. He taught me how to love and care for a horse, what characteristics to look for in a man that you would want to marry, how to be kind and caring to everyone that I meet, how to always have a gentle hand, tongue, and heart, and most importantly, how to be completely grateful for everything the Lord deals you.
I never heard this man complain about one thing in his entire life. How many of us can say the same thing?? What a role model and a perfect example of a life to live by!
As we left the hospital that Easter weekend, Dylan played the song "I Lived" by One Republic. We all sat in complete silence, soaking in every bit of the lyrics. Wow! My uncle truly "lived".
Here is the link to listen to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KINfQbfZwik
Some of Mark's favorite memories of Uncle Frank are from our visit there back in January. Uncle Frank told him about how him and Auntie Lois met and fell in love. He said she was the reason that he did not re-enlist in the service, and how she was the best thing that ever happened to him. Now THAT is love, people. Wow. I'm in awe of this man.
Here is a picture of me, Auntie Lois and Uncle Frank from my wedding last August. Lois had a family reunion in the Cities that same weekend that was six hours closer to them, but they still chose to come up for MY wedding. Wow. I was completely honored and humbled. They are the absolute best.
People, tell everyone you love that you DO love them. The power of love should not be underestimated. I loved this man with every ounce of my soul, and I pray that Doran had one heck of a welcoming planned for him as he walked through those pearly gates to be with our Lord and Savior.
On a side note for everyone that takes the time to read this far- Last fall when Uncle Frank and Auntie Lois made their last trip up North, we had supper at my parents house with them. Now, Mark and I had discussed names for our children (no we were and still are not pregnant), as many married couples do those types of things. There has really only been one name that we have ever been able to completely agree on, and that name is Frank. My dad's dad was Frank, Mark's Grandpa was Frank, and my AMAZING uncle was Frank. As we finished up supper, I told my Uncle Frank that we wanted to name our future son Frank in honor of him and boy did his face light up with a radiant smile.
Now, that name with instead be in memory of him and our grandpas, but what a perfect name it will be. :)
