What does it mean to live? Does one simply have to be alive and breathing to live? Among the recent events that my family is enduring I'd say no. One can live even after they have passed. One can still be alive in the love, memories and experiences of those who surpass them in life. And I have come to realize that my Uncle has done just that. Early Monday morning my family had to say goodbye to one of the most loved members of the family after a long hard fight with cancer. These past few days haven't been easy for my family, but this week I have realized the impact that he had on people's lives, and the always contagious positive energy that he had and how honored I am to be able to call him my uncle. Brian Lewis is someone that if you met him, you will never forget, and that to me is what it means to live. He may be physically gone from our presence now, but he will forever be in our hearts. His memories will keep him alive, his laughter, his loving and caring personality, his strength, his perseverance, will all keep him alive. This right here says so much about a person, the impact they have on the world after they have left is just as remarkable as their presence when they are still here. I would be happy if I could be half the person that my uncle was, if when looking back on my life like we have been doing for my uncle these two days, my impact is half as amazing as his. One thing I have realized this week is that I don't have any extraordinary stories or memories to tell about my times with my uncle. At first I was stirred up about this, how can I not think about one absolute amazing memory with the uncle that meant so much to me? However, last night I realized that this is actually remarkable. When I think to the memories I remember the dinners we had together, the time he taught me all about his printer and how it could print amazing pictures, looking at pictures because he was always taking them, receiving random emails with picture attachments that I had no idea he even took, going to the All American Rejects concert and decorating the truck before we left, and so much more. These are the times that I hold near and dear to my heart, the ones that were just us living our daily lives but living them together. I think it is extraordinary that one can have such an impact with such ordinary memories. That is what makes it okay that I don't have one amazing memory, it is amazing that I can sit back and remember that time we were sitting on the couch at the Masseur's house on Christmas night just looking at pictures over and over again. Those ordinary memories hold an extraordinary weight in my heart.
So thank you Uncle Brian. Thank you for always being there. For always having a smile on your face. Thank you for taking countless pictures so that we could look at them. Thank you for sharing your Reese's cups with me. Thank you for the thumb wars. Thank you for always having Jason Mraz to play when I got in the Suburban. Thank you for being you, because if you weren't you, I know my life and the life of those who interacted with you wouldn't be the same. I pray that you are flying high now and that you are at peace. Watch over us all, especially Aunt Cheryl and Taviston because they deserve it. Believe me Uncle Brian "God knows you're worth it," so I know you're up there with Nanny and Dad showing them pictures of your family and your lovely golf course.
"It's been a long day without you, my friend. And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again."
