September 17, 2009

Three Word Thursday

Life. Is. Hard.

Last year at about this time I wrote a post about this man, which you can read here.

He is my Uncle Kirk -- a humble and righteous man who has spent the past year fighting bravely against a vicious and unforgiving cancer. He has spent his life building things from wood and building people up with his cheerful disposition and delightful sense of humor. He has given me many gifts, including the beautiful bed I lay in each night with my husband.

But the best gift he has given me is the joy of calling him beloved Uncle. I am in awe of the simple, yet full life he has led. He has an incredible marriage to a wonderful woman, two daughters who are amazing and funny, and an extended family that adores him beyond measure. He is giving, caring, thoughtful and wise. He helps others without expecting a thing in return. He loves God and knows Jesus Christ. These are the things that are important. These are the things that matter. I don't think he has any idea how many lives he has touched or how deep a mark he has left on my spirit.

This week we learned that my Uncle Kirk's cancer has returned with a vengeance, bringing with it only pain, suffering and an hourglass whose sands are slipping through at an alarming rate too quick to understand or comprehend. It is almost too much to bear.

I know we have a loving Father in Heaven. I trust in his will for my Uncle. I know he will meet his Savior and Redeemer and eventually be reuinted with his family to live with them forever. I long for peace, comfort and beautiful final memories for him, my Aunt Julie and my cousins Amanda and Liz. And I want them all to know how very much I love them. I love you Uncle Kirk.

Life. Is. Hard.

14 comments:

Sue said...

Wish I were there to give you a big hug and let you bawl on my shoulder. Love you!

Anderson Zoo Keepers said...

It's so sad to hear all of this. And you are right, life is hard. Happily, it is filled with love.

Emily said...

That is hard, and tough to hear. So sorry, just know I am praying for you and him.

Apis Melliflora said...

Follow Kirk's example:
Show your love.
Thank you Dragonfly.

LJB said...

I agree, Life is hard! But we can do hard things! What a beautiful tribute! Sounds like an amazing man!

We are FAM-I-LEE said...

Another beautiful, well written post that touched my heart. My prayers go out to you & your entire extended family.

The Queen Vee said...

Love you Kirky with all my heart, I'm sure you'll crack a great joke when you get to the other side.

MelancholySmile said...

I have no words. They are all lodged like a as a sympathetic lump in my throat. My prayers go out to you.

Stacey Gerlach Moe said...

I am really sorry to hear that, Sam. Prayers are being sent for all of you from my family.

Lori said...

Beautifully written Samantha...I share those same tender feelings...today is a hard day.

Susan said...

I am keeping your whole family in my prayers, especially your Uncle Kirk his wife and daughters. Love you!

Anonymous said...

This was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. You were lucky to have him in your life and I know you and all your family know just how lucky. Our thoughts are with all of you during this time ahead. He does not walk alone. Jean and Joan

Ana said...

I am so sad to hear this about your beloved uncle. You all are in my prayers.

Burton's blog said...

We found a great article in the Ensign this month by Pres. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail" that has really lifted us through some difficult days. It is when we are in our most difficult hour that the Lord is closest to us. He will never leave us to struggle alone. Hang in there!