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Re:
Yeah, mariss, it is a two-way street. But we usually think of those things after the fact. Thanks for the condolences. 
posted by
JimmyA
on September 25, 2012 at 7:25 AM
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I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like you do well to keep up with as many family members as you do. In all fairness, he could have attended the functions if he wished, in most liklihood, although I am sorry you did not get a chance to know him better. 
posted by
mariss9
on September 24, 2012 at 6:32 PM
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Re:
Thank you one and all for your kind words and thoughts. I apologize for not responding directly to each of you, but all of your comments were kind, meaningful and appreciated. I knew this would be a subject that everyone would be able to "relate" to, one way or another. And, as they say, life goes on . . .
posted by
JimmyA
on September 24, 2012 at 6:56 AM
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It's difficult to avoid self criticism in such cases, I think as long as your family know you are there for them if they need you that is enough. The days of families living on the same street are long gone so you can't expect to be a dear part of their daily lives, all you can do is be a benign presence at the back of their mind.
posted by
lionreign
on September 24, 2012 at 4:17 AM
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sorry to read of the loss of Uncle. I guess it takes two sides to keep
communication open so don't beat yourself up. Uncle may have enjoyed not being at big family get togethers.
I have so many cousins and I wouldn't know most of their decendants as we haven't been close for mosy of our lives.
posted by
Kabu
on September 22, 2012 at 3:35 PM
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I would like to express my condolences...I'm amazed at how fast different people in my family have grown up.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on September 22, 2012 at 10:13 AM
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you might say I was the black sheep of the family and was never close to my realatives, but most of them live in Nebraska and I dont have the funds to visit any of them. I dont even speak to my brother whom we had a falling out when my mom was passing away.
posted by
Lanetay
on September 22, 2012 at 8:52 AM
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I wanted to say I am so sorry for your Uncle's passing separately from my other comment Jimmy. I know you said that you were not close to your Uncle, but I felt as though I got a little more than that from your recent posts. I think you care more than you let on and I just want you to know that its okay, and so is he. Godbless.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 21, 2012 at 10:42 PM
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I had 32 great nieces and nephews at last count and a dozen or so great, great nieces and nephews...I know the feeling.
posted by
UtahJay
on September 21, 2012 at 10:36 PM
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Condolences sent, Jimmy..
I think many of us experience feelings of regret when a loved one/family member departs this plane. I had several uncles on my father's side that I always wanted to be closer to; kept thinking it would happen someday but time slips so fast and they were career and family busy too. And before I knew it, their funerals arrived, sigh..
I hope bonds of kinship are known, even when silent..Thoughts..
posted by
Katray2
on September 21, 2012 at 9:59 PM
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I offer my condolences! I know of what you speak because I am from a large family and it's difficult to stay in touch or even be close! sam
posted by
sam444
on September 21, 2012 at 9:39 PM
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JimmyA
Our condolences my friend. There is always a grief no matter the kind of attachment, just thinking of him as you did here, was a special prayer of love for him that he is aware of.†
posted by
WileyJohn
on September 21, 2012 at 7:56 PM
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I'd give a lot to get some of my beloved aunts and uncles back for one more reunion. They are all gone now and left only great memories. As far as nieces and nephews go, I have a goodly amount and not one that I don't love to see when the opportunity arises.
posted by
TAPS.
on September 21, 2012 at 5:58 PM
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am sorry for ur loss...but one way to change all that and have some contact is to organize or have someone else organize a family reunion...we now have them on both sides of the family annually...
posted by
Annicita
on September 21, 2012 at 5:58 PM
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So you are saying goodbye to one (your uncle), but the others are still there. It's never too late and actually, most things happen right when they are supposed to happen. Don't let regrets keep you worrying about how they will react to you now - do your thing, and play by ear from there.
posted by
adnohr
on September 21, 2012 at 2:46 PM
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It took me a long time to learn the lesson
of not delaying connecting with those you'd regret when it is too late.
posted by
Ciel
on September 21, 2012 at 1:26 PM
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