A very good friend of mine, almost a son to me, just had his 3rd child/first son. I held their new son ever so briefly, then I crossed the campus, went up to the 6th floor, and held my oldest Uncle's hand and sang his favorite hymns to him as he lay dying. More family gathered and we sang together, to comfort my Uncle and one another. I have never before shared in the first hours of someones life, and the last hours of someones life in the same afternoon. It has been a melancholy and yet joyful day. Quite the dichotomy. Not looking for sympathy, my Uncle is much better off now. Newly named Caleb Hunter D. will soon be hearing some Grandfather's lullaby's. Just felt the need to share with my 'imaginary' garden friends.
Sorry to hear about your uncle FBG. What a moving afternoon, I can't even imagine how emotional it was.
There is a saying that for every birth there is a death and you have experienced both. It's sad to hear of your uncle's passing but a joy that little Caleb Hunter D. has arrived in the world. My sincere condolences and my congratulations.
I'm happy for your getting to hold the new life, and also happy you were able to ease your uncle's passing. Your friends here are not "imaginary"--we do truly care about you.
Even though your body gets old and quits working, it is still sad to have someone pass. I at times wish you could pick how fast you go because I would not care to go through as much pain as some do...sorry for the loss of your of your Uncle. Congratulations to everyone for the birth of Caleb...babys bring a smile to my face. I wish we had some in our family.
Perhaps it's just me, but I find some comfort in that sort of balance. It must have been strange to experience both ends of life the way you did, and yet I would imagine it was also cathartic in its own way. At the very least the birth offered a soft place to fall in light of the imminent demise of your Uncle. I sure do wish I could be witness to those baby lullabies.
When I was a kid I'd ask myself each morning "I wonder who was born today and who passed away today?" I know, weird kid! But I thought that was how God balanced it all out. I really felt it on November 3rd 2004 when our nephew Adam was born in the maternity ward and my grandma passed on the 3rd floor of the same hospital! It was too much for me to bear I hope you enjoying memories of your uncle and making new memories with the little one
