This is my professional blog, and I really do try to keep the posts on here professional. But sometimes the personal and the professional overlap, and tonight I am not blogging about education … at least not directly so. Tonight, I am grieving the loss of my uncle. He passed away this evening after a brief illness and a number of complications. I knew that this was coming, but it doesn’t make it any easier.
My Aunt And Uncle
My Uncle Benny was a wonderful, kind-hearted man that always made me laugh. He was almost like a big kid. He’s been teaching overseas for years now, and I never saw him often, but any time I did see him or any time we spoke, he never failed to make me feel special. Benny was a teacher — a terrific teacher — that always put kids first. When he was a boy, he used every excuse imaginable to get out of going to school. He even trained his dog to follow him to Hebrew School every Saturday, so that he would have to walk him back home again. That was Benny. As he got older though, Benny came to love education and love teaching, and the students loved him as well.
Tonight, my sister and I lost an uncle, my mom and her older brother lost their younger brother, my grandmother lost her youngest son, my aunt lost her husband, and my cousin lost her dad (mere months before she’s supposed to get married). Tonight, we’re all grieving, and we’re all hoping that Benny really is in a better place now. I’m trying to think back to the last time that I saw my Uncle Benny: it was at my sister’s wedding over 5 years ago. I know that I took the time before we left to hug him and to tell him that I love him, and I hope that he knows that I really, really do!
Aviva
My thoughts are with you. God Bless!
Thanks Karen! I really appreciate that.
Aviva
Sending virtual hugs your way. This post is a wonderful way to express your feelings. A blog gives insight to who you are and what you stand for. This blog is a wonderful extension of you.
Take care,
Angie
Thanks Angie! I’m so glad that you think it was okay to write this personal post on this professional blog. Last night, it definitely seemed like the right thing to do. Thanks for all of your support!
Aviva
Aviva,
Beautiful tribute. Someone once told me that the best way to honor someone special is to continue to teach the lessons he/she taught us. I know the teaching of Uncle Benny will continue on through you in such a way that hi legacy will go on for years to come.
Thinking of you and your family…
Chris
Thanks Chris! What a great way to look at things. I really like that!
Aviva
Aviva,
Your love for your uncle is so apparent in your tribute, beautiful and heartfelt. Uncle Benny left all of you the gift of his love which I know you will all continue to share.
Thanks JoAnn! I definitely will!
Aviva
Aviva, this is a wonderful tribute to your uncle. When we lose someone special from our lives a piece of them always remains alive and well in our hearts. While your uncle’s body is no longer on this earth his passion and joy lives inside of you and in all those lives that he touched. Continue to celebrate his greatness in all the great things that you are doing.
Thinking of you and your family during this extremely sad time. Sending you a big hug from the other side of the country.
Karen
Thanks Karen! I so appreciate this. It’s thoughts like this that do bring comfort during this difficult time.
Aviva
Hey Aviva,
So sorry for your loss! Hope the memory of your uncle gives you and your family strength and hope:)
Thanks Royan! I really appreciate this.
Aviva