Uncle Don is gone...

The other day, I got this message from my Mom:

Dear Family,

Don passed away this afternoon. He was peaceful and died quietly at home. Pat told me he'll be cremated, but has not yet decided whether to hold a memorial service or not. We all knew Don was very sick, but we also thought he had more time. In a way, it's a blessing that he didn't suffer longer. The doctors told Pat he had about 8 months, but Don and the Lord were on a different schedule.

Thanks for all your prayers.

This was a bit sudden. He was diagnosed with lung cancer a couple of months ago. He'd been feeling ill for sometime and Aunt Pat (his wife) finally talked him into seeing the doctor. A few weeks laters, he succumbed to the cancer.

As with so many other members of my family, Uncle Don has just always been there, a fixture in my world. I can't believe he's gone. It's inevitable, of course. We all pass on eventually. My Aunt Rose, all the grandparents, my Dad. And now Don. There have been others, too.

Death is a natural part of life. Still, why does it always hurt so much?

Good bye, Uncle Don.