Monday, November 25, 2024
Dear Cousin Sarah & Josh:
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Dad, Jim. The death of a parent is a huge loss, no matter how close or how far apart your relationships might have been. I pray you both give yourselves time to grieve. A lifetime of memories becomes even more important to sort through, relive, and (eventually) let go.
Over the last several years our paths would cross, and Uncle Jim ALWAYS made a point of saying hello, and asking how my family was getting on. I thought that was very kind considering how much time had passed.
Families do lose touch, and sometimes fall apart - those words are truer than truth. But Jim seemed to be quite the comedian. He would often share a few memories of those days gone by. His sarcastic humour was a relief. Again, I've only learned this from my own recent exchanges with him.
My early memories of Uncle Jim stemmed from my childhood. So to have an opportunity to listen to his cheer, his jeer, and his praise for his kids, was a very different - yet welcome- experience.
I pass on these memories because it reminded me that our families were very close many many years ago.
The paths we take seem irrelevant when confronted with the reality of childhood bonds, and the endurance they have. Uncle Jim, as much I never really knew him - we seemed to Know each other quite well.
I pray you both happy times, and happy remembrance - Uncle Jim was very proud of you both. I pray you strength to find resolve in the coming days and weeks. He isn't far away. From my own experience you will sense when he is walking with you, cheering you on, and also having a laugh at your expense.
God knows my own father seems to do this in spades.
I pray that we cross paths some day soon. We were kids together, we grew up together. That's not nothing.
God Bless all of Jim's friends, families, and loved ones. I pray you peace, health, and happiness - and enjoy the celebration of Jim's life.
Bless you all and Amen.
Respectfully,
Kathryn Leadbeater
