CHRISTINE NICHOLS GAUTREAUX·TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020·READING TIME: 2 MINUTES
– Originally published 1/21/2020 on Facebook Notes
28 degrees and brrrrrrr in Duluth, GA at sunrise today.
I made my way out to the Labyrinth this morning bundled up with a cup of hot tea. I would usually not go out this early when it’s this cold but the news from Texas yesterday, that my Uncle Keith died sent me seeking sanctuary.
Uncle Keith was my dad’s youngest brother. He was 68 years old and in our family that is young.
The first of that generation of family members to die. When Keith was 8 he had a brain tumor. That was back in 1960. He had brain surgery and the prognosis for his life span was not good. He struggled with health issues his entire life.
So it is with gratitude that he lived as long as he did and grief of the unexpected loss that I process the news of his passing.
Due to his health and the close call, Uncle Keith was “a little” pampered by my Nanny, his mom. He liked things his way, had definite beliefs about religion and we sometimes butted heads about this especially when I was a young adult (that and the romance novels I read).
Uncle Keith never married and he loved his 5 nieces and nephew and 3 grand nieces and 7 grand nephews and his great grand-niece & nephew.
He would always send a card and $5. for birthdays if you were a kid and $5 for Christmas for everyone.
This thoughtfulness brings a smile to my face especially because I now live 4 states away from Texas and that envelope and tradition connected me with home.
Uncle Keith loved animals and would adopt strays cats and dogs. He had recently gotten a new kitten.
We talked occasionally on the phone and the last time we spoke he was on the way, with other family members, to visit our Aunt Joyce who was in the hospital.
Keith loved the internet, online shopping and gadgets. I usually bought him books for Christmas because he loved to read.
This morning in the Labyrinth as I sang my prayers and walked towards the center I imagined the reunion his spirit will be having with his mom and dad (my Nanny & Papa).
He was loved beyond measure by his mother.
He loved his family and we loved him.
Rest in Peace Uncle Keith.
I Love You.
Christine