he was a good man.

 

this world lost a wonderful man this week.

on Wednesday, my uncle lost a battle with time.

it was quick, it was emotional, and it was unexpected.

we will forever remember him.

he was a good father. husband. uncle. brother. papa. friend. employee.

the list could go on and on.

tomorrow we will celebrate his life.

we will gather together, remembering all of the good times we had with “Toad”.

we will cry, laugh, smile, and embrace the short 59 years he graced this earth with his presence.

 

Uncle Toad was always in a good mood. 

he loved being around his family and we are a big family to be around.

he seemed to cherish every moment when this big, loud, rambunctious family gathered together.

he always had the ability to put a smile on your face.

I will miss him being there to liven up the party (not that this family needs any help)

in this family, you work, and then you learn to work harder.

he exuded that in every aspect of his life.

at his job, taking care of his car or his lawn, or his ability to love.

he is the epitome of “work hard, play harder”.

after this week, I think we will all embrace time a little more.

we will hug a little longer.

we will say more I love you’s.

we will stop worrying about other things and start worrying about spending time together.

he will be extremely missed.

my heart hurts thinking about him not being here anymore.

my heart breaks for the family members he has left behind.

but, my heart rejoices knowing he is in a better place.

my heart contains great joy knowing he is with God, his dad, brother, brother and sister-in-laws and that we will see him again one day.

and because life is better with country music, I thought of him when I heard this song on my way home from Iowa. it will always make me think of him.

I don’t need a whole lot of money

But I wouldn’t turn a lottery down

I just need a little green in my pocket

So I can buy my buddies a round

All I want is a place to lay my head with the woman I love lyin’ in my bed

Kind of understated

My dreams aren’t that complicated…

I wanna be the one

When all is said and done

Who lived a good life, loved a good wife, and always helped someone in trouble

On the day they lay me down

I want everyone to gather ‘round

And say he was a father, brother, neighbour and a friend

He was a good man!

When I’m gone, I wanna leave a legacy

Of love and laughs and honesty behind me

Behind me…

love you uncle toad.