Friday, June 26, 2009

Remember the Time . . .

I was born when my parents were very young. Too young.

They hadn't decided if they were ready to be parents or even what they wanted to do with their lives, so they both decided to go into the military.

That left me living with my grandparents where I spent lots of time being the shamelessly spoiled only grandchild and little sister to my Uncle (my Mom's little brother), who was only 2 years older than me, and was my unparalleled hero.

When my parents came home, much more grown up and ready to be parents, we went to live on our own and began our life traveling all over the planet for Uncle Sam. My Uncle always remained my hero. He was always like the big brother I never had.

Over the years, he and I exchanged long distance phone calls and letters, mostly written in crayon since we were both so young . . . eventually they morphed into exchanging audio cassettes (remember those) of each other's voices when my family moved overseas due to a military PCS. This was before the age of cell phones and it was way too expensive for us to call. We were just so "hip," no one could tell us anything, LOL.

When I was thirteen, my uncle died suddenly and shockingly without warning. My family was living in Germany at the time and we had to fly home quickly and haphazardly in order to make it in time for the funeral. It was just about the saddest day of my life.

At that funeral, we prominently displayed my Uncle's most prized possession: a shiny vinyl of Michael Jackson's album Off the Wall. We even danced a little bit on the church lawn. It was wonderful and terrible all at the same time. Every single day of his life, my Uncle thought he was Michael Jackson. He never walked, he glided every where he went, had a shiny Michael Jackson jacket, and proceeded to dress up as the Scarecrow from The Wiz every. single. Halloween.

I know this is sort of a morbid post, and I really don't mean to bring everyone down, but this is the first thing that came into my mind when I heard that Michael Jackson passed away yesterday. Weird, no?

I certainly hope they are both resting in peace today . . . and perhaps Uncle can show Michael a few dance moves. ;-)


Until next time . . .


11 comments:

Obi-Mom Kenobi said...

Not weird at all, actually. My first thought was of my little brother who was a Michael Jackson nut growing up. He sang and danced his way through life for years - and is still a musician during all his free time.

Anonymous said...

Such a nice post. I'm actually sick of Michael Jackson news. I could rant but I won't, because yours is the first tribute as it were that touched me. Well done.

Anonymous said...

I don't know why, but everyone has Michael Jackson "memories" of some sort or other - - some of him, and some of things they relate to his songs. Yours was beautiful, and I'm so glad you shared it!

karisma said...

Hmmm! My first thought was "Poor boy" so confused, so denied of his parents! I know they had a lot of kids but hey so do I! Now him aside...You're parents may have been young but so was I. A mama needs to raise her own kids. I was 19 when my first was born and I lived my life for her and her younger siblings. No career! No time! No excuses!

I have seen you around quite a bit and I love you! You are you! Because of you, not them! You go girl! You are a great mom, in you're own right. One has to wonder, what really makes us who we are? Of course it is our lesson in this life. Parents aside we are going to learn it.

Well I don't know what your lesson is my dear! (Mine was patience!) But you are doing a great job! Blessings to you and yours. Keep your journey strong! Hugs xxxxx

Wendy said...

I hope you will continue to cherish the good memories of your uncle.

floridamom said...

I'm sorry your uncle was taken from you when you, and he, were so young. Your post is a nice tribute to him.

The Foil Hat said...

Oh, what a beautiful post. Thanks for writing it.

Hula Hank said...

Right down to the peanut butter cup paper nose? That is so cool.

It is funny to realise exaclty how much impact MJ had on everyone's lives. My kids don't see the big deal. The daughter thinks that Britney Spears is his "modern day" equivalent. So so wrong.

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful memory of your Uncle. It was so vivid I could visualise your Uncle moonwalking through the grocery store.

SabrinaT said...

I think it's great that you have wonderful memories of your uncle!

michelle said...

Just stopping by to say Hello, and hope you're doing well. Haven't seen you around in awhile, and I hope that everything's okay(?)

The story about your uncle was sad and sweet. I'm glad that you have such nice memories of him.

Hula Hank said...

Where are you at??!!?!?! The margarita glass is getting dusty!

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