On 7-Oct-2009 a little after 9PM West Coast time, my Uncle Jimmie lost his battle with lung cancer. I have been told that in the end, he died peacefully surrounded by his friends that had become his family for many years. He was 75-yrs old and the older brother to my Mom, Margie Oshiro.
He had already determined his afterlife care because he didn't want to burden anyone with the details. He requested a Memorial Service followed by a burial at sea (spreading his ashes into the ocean).
He had already determined his afterlife care because he didn't want to burden anyone with the details. He requested a Memorial Service followed by a burial at sea (spreading his ashes into the ocean).
I sadly had not seen my Uncle since 2000 when he underwent quadruple bypass. I did receive a congratulatory card from him in 2005 after my wedding. I was sad that he could not make it to the ceremony, but I understood. It was a long journey and he was old. I was blessed by the acknowledgment.
I wish I could say I was really close to my Uncle, but I wasn't. After my Grandma died in 1990, we drifted farther apart as I believe it was my Grandma who kept the bond strongest between my Mom and my Uncle.
I do have many memories of him though from when I was a child. I remember he always had pugs as did my Grandma. I also remember he always named them after alcohol. The two I remember most were Tequila and Bourbon. At the time I did not know the significance of their names, but always liked all the pugs around and still have a warm spot when I see them. My Mom told me he had recently adopted a new pug a few years back and the poor dog would not leave my Uncle's side during his last few days. Animals always know so much more than we can even perceive, don't they.
I remember going on vacation with my Grandma and Uncle Jimmie to Mexico. We stayed near the ocean. I guess he's always had a love of the water if that is where he wants to be now. Now, as a 4-yr old I didn't always understand my Uncle, but he was still my Uncle. He was sometimes loud and cantankerous at times, but the fact that he took a 4-yr old and my 10-yr old brother with him spoke volumes for his affection for us.
I am happy knowing my Uncle had such a close group of friends that had become his family. I know he was loved and lived a rich life.
I have to scan the last picture I have with my Uncle from my college graduation in 1996. I'll post it to this blog when I do.
Uncle Jimmie, may you find peace and health in your afterlife and I hope Bourbon and Tequila were waiting for you at the Pearly Gates. Rest in Peace!
I wish I could say I was really close to my Uncle, but I wasn't. After my Grandma died in 1990, we drifted farther apart as I believe it was my Grandma who kept the bond strongest between my Mom and my Uncle.
I do have many memories of him though from when I was a child. I remember he always had pugs as did my Grandma. I also remember he always named them after alcohol. The two I remember most were Tequila and Bourbon. At the time I did not know the significance of their names, but always liked all the pugs around and still have a warm spot when I see them. My Mom told me he had recently adopted a new pug a few years back and the poor dog would not leave my Uncle's side during his last few days. Animals always know so much more than we can even perceive, don't they.
I remember going on vacation with my Grandma and Uncle Jimmie to Mexico. We stayed near the ocean. I guess he's always had a love of the water if that is where he wants to be now. Now, as a 4-yr old I didn't always understand my Uncle, but he was still my Uncle. He was sometimes loud and cantankerous at times, but the fact that he took a 4-yr old and my 10-yr old brother with him spoke volumes for his affection for us.
I am happy knowing my Uncle had such a close group of friends that had become his family. I know he was loved and lived a rich life.
I have to scan the last picture I have with my Uncle from my college graduation in 1996. I'll post it to this blog when I do.
Uncle Jimmie, may you find peace and health in your afterlife and I hope Bourbon and Tequila were waiting for you at the Pearly Gates. Rest in Peace!
Thank you Diane. As usual you share your heart so well with words. Even though we did not see your uncle that much he will be missed. I am told he spoke fondly of me and you "kids". Thanks for sharing. Love mom