10 Years

I know to some this might be dumb to remember or even blog about, but it's a big part of who I am.  10 years ago today one of the greatest men I have ever known passed away from pancreatic cancer.  This person was my favorite uncle Duane. 

He had brought such joy into many people's lives and mine was no exception.  I learned so much from him.  The most important thing he taught me mainly by his example was that of love.  He was one of those people whom I never heard say a bad word about anyone no matter what they had done.  Just seeing him would bring a smile to my face.  I got through the worst parts of my childhood and teenage years thanks to this man!  He had this way with everyone that made you feel like when you were talking to him you were the most important person in the room.  Every time I saw him or talked to him on the phone, he would always call me princess!  It was his pet name for those he loved.  It was also to remind us that we were really daughters of a King.  He always took the opportunity to bare his testimony to me through his example.  He would always tell me how much my Heavenly Father loved me, no matter what mistakes I made.  On one occasion in particular, I had told him about a mistake I had made and just started sobbing with my head hung low.  I didn't want to look at him or see that I had disappointed him.  Crying himself, he told me that he didn't want me to ever feel like I couldn't look him in the eye.  He expressed how much he loved me and that just like Heavenly Father, he would love me even if I made the worst mistake in the world.  That really stuck with me.

On another occasion, I was having a difficult time with things that were going on and changes that were being made.  He told me the story of an I-beam.  At that age I didn't really know what an I-beam was, but he explained it to me.  He had told me that it's a very narrow beam that construction workers use and that he would walk the I-beam from the highest height for me.  Since I didn't grow up with a father around, he was my father figure.  He would even come with me as a youth to the "daddy-daughter dates."  I even trusted this man to do my hair for it.  :) 

This man loved everyone he came in contact with.  I never heard him speak a word of guile against anyone.  To me, he was how I imagined Jesus Christ to be.  I know that is a pretty big comparison, but to me he was just such a good man!  I love him dearly!  After 10 years, I can still feel the void, but I know he's watching over those he loved.