Day 20

Dad arrived in town this morning for Uncle Mort's funeral tomorrow. He and Aunt Joan are heading out to La Mirada to visit with my brother Kevin and his family for a bit before heading up to Tarzana to see my Aunt Ellene and the cousins, then to my house to spend the night.

This will probably be a short post today, lots going on - but I did want to reflect again on my Uncle Morty for a moment - to let you know a little more of the back-story.

See, my Dad is the baby of the family - he had an older brother Carl who passed away when I was still living in Florida, then Uncle Mort, Aunt Joan, and him. So not only has he lost his last of two brothers, but I lost my last surviving Uncle on my Dad's side..

Uncle Morty was a hard worker all his life, and truly took care of his family.. but he had a creative side too.. and this was the basis of our conversations those last few years... he took up painting later in his life and was quite good at it, and we talked about various styles/ideas and such on the occasional phone call. But apparently expressing himself through paint helped him communicate in some ways where he had no other outlet.

You need to understand (and, yes - my Mom and Dad read this Blog) - the Pittle men have never been very expressive emotionally... we try, don't get me wrong - I think my Dad and I have an awesome, loving relationship - and we hug and kiss, and aren't afraid to show our love for each other.. Same with my Brother. Not true of all Pittle men, and I think that my Dad has grown emotionally a lot as he's grown older - expressing himself more now than even when we were younger.

Uncle Morty was a very quiet man, who might not have always told you, but always cared. Maybe because he didn't know how, didn't feel comfortable doing so, didn't like to? Not sure of the reason - but he was a good, creative man who cared about his family - and that's what I'll remember most about him, and the thing I'll miss the most as well.

Remember, this blog is about living as a better version of myself - physically, mentally and EMOTIONALLY. I try hard every day, some more than others, to express myself.. and as I've gotten older I've found it easier. I hug and kiss my son like my Dad does me - and while he's in town for the funeral, I plan on doing it even more to show him my support, and selfishly for myself as well, because I miss him. I've been told much of my adult life that I'm too 'sensitive' - well I like the way I am - because I CARE.

NEVER FORGET: Tell those you love them EVERYDAY. However you can - because we never know how long our stay is here on Earth - and if someone means something to you, don't wait. You may never GET another chance. I hope if I teach you anything - it's THAT.

And believe me, when you get a Second Chance, you come away seeing things differently.

It's those life lessons that I'm still trying to learn everyday as I take this journey called Life.

That's it for today - tomorrow, the funeral and the cancer check-up - I'm sure there's more to come. Stay tuned.

-Pittle out.