Today is a difficult day in our family. My uncle, your great-uncle, Glen passed away after fighting a battle with Cirrhosis of the Liver. He was your Beba's brother, the only sibling of hers I was blessed to know in my life. I have very fond memories of Uncle Glen. He gave me the nickname Boo, which your grandparents have called me ever since. When I was little he used to scoop me up and squeeze me into tight hugs. Glen was very tall so if you have any height to you at all I believe it comes from him and your Great Grandpa Crebo. As an adolescent he and Aunt Nita looked after me and my Grandma Pearlie while your Beba and Papa went on vacation. On a side note, he gave Pearlie that nickname; a story for another day. I recall he had great aptitude at helping me with my math homework. As a senior in high school, preparing for my freshman year of college, he and Nita again took care of me, helping me pay off a debt when I overdrew my bank account while Beba was in the hospital. I hadn't wanted to burden your Papa Tate with that. As a college student he and Nita took your Auntie Jennifer and I to Paris during our study abroad trip. We got to experience such wonderful things as the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. They came to visit you quite soon after you were born, so excited to shower you with love. I am so glad that Uncle Glen got to meet you, hold you, and play with you. They have always been there for me and are a vital part of the unit that we call our family. As you become an adult you will discover that you begin to think more about your aging parents. You will worry about us. You will start feeling the need to take care of us, even if we don't want to let you. But, it is a new experience for me to think of the mortality of my aunts and uncles. They have always been here and I find it extremely hard to picture life without any of them. But, here we are. We can learn many life lessons from your Great Glen. I thought I should write a few of them down for you to keep.
Try Not To Worry Your Mother. Your Great Glen fought in Vietnam. I actually have no idea what he did while he served, he never talked about it much and I respected him enough not to ask. We did learn recently that he was exposed to a chemical used in tactical warfare called Agent Orange. But, he didn't want your Great Grandma Pearlie to worry about him so I think he always downplayed his role. Even so, I know that the family always, always lived in a state of worry for him at that time and having him walk through the door and ask for a cheese sandwich was a great relief to his mother. So, please, son, not that you should ever keep things from me, but for my sanity, try not to worry me.
Work Hard. Growing up on a farm meant doing chores. I have always been told that Glen was an excellent post-hole digger. I believe from a young age he faced down any fears of manual labor. One would only have to look at the beautiful oasis he and Nita created in their backyard to know that he was not afraid to work. He was faithful in his job until retirement and then he stayed busy always, until his illness came on. I believe he was a wonderful example that hard work can bring satisfaction and fulfillment, something you can be proud of.
Keep your Sense of Humor. Glen was always in good spirits when I saw him. He was always smiling or telling a funny story. He was witty and that is something I always admired. As you grow up you will learn from family history that the Holt's went through a lot especially Beba and her siblings; things were not always easy. And your great uncle no doubt saw horrible things while he served in the military. But, he chose to enjoy the good things in life and not dwell on the more difficult experiences. I will never forget the twinkle of merriment in his eyes. I wish that you two could have had more time together to bring out such joy in one another.
Travel and Explore the World. I have no doubt that Glen loved to be home. He and Nita have a beautiful home and have done a lot of work to create a comfortable and inviting environment for their family and friends. I think he probably loved sitting in his basement watching golf or enjoying summer nights on the deck with Nita more than anything. But, he and Nita also did quite a bit of traveling together, visiting lots of different countries. I had the blessing of witnessing this in Paris. It was a terrific trip even if it was freezing cold! I am so thankful they were willing to share part of that trip with Jennifer and I. I will always cherish our day trip to Versailles and the benefit of getting into the palace at the kid's rate at age 21! They made friends in Europe and enjoyed experiencing other cultures, visiting historical places and trying local cuisine. I hope that as parents we can help you appreciate these things too.
Embrace Your Family. Great Glen and Great Nita did not have children of their own, but they have loved and nurtured many children, including myself. They had lots of nieces and nephews who I have no doubt knew that they were loved by Glen. They also built relationships with the children of neighbors and friends as well. Glen was a brother to Nita's siblings too. And a son to Nita's mother, who I remember with fondness. He did much to care for her as she aged. He was a devoted son to his parents and the best big brother you could ask for. Just ask Beba. Should you ever become a big brother yourself, We will have to tell you stories of what made Glen such a great big brother. He also had dear friends and neighbors who were like family to him. He enjoyed gathering them together for holidays and special occasions. He embraced the importance of family.
Do Unto Others. You might hear us say that your Uncle Glen wasn't a religious person, but that he had made his own peace with God a long time ago. But, I believe he lived the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." He helped a lot of people throughout his life. He made a difference in the lives of friends and strangers. He donated blood on a regular basis. He helped neighbors and friends accomplish tasks or make it to doctors appointments. He did countless things for others because his heart was just that big. It is important to show love and compassion in the world. It is the only way to drive out the hate that is so prevalent in this world.
I know that you will not remember him but I hope that our memories of him will let you know that he loved you very much. I will miss him greatly.
Love,
Boo
Love,
Boo
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