I mentioned in an entry back in April that my Uncle Gene was dieing and last night at around 10PM he closed his eyes for the last time. My mother called shortly after that to let us know the news and she was, as she often is in the face of issues like this, stoically matter-of-fact about it. The phone call was brief and I had time to ask her how she was doing and she replied with a simple, “I’m fine.” For the moment I have no doubts that she is.
When my best friend, Bill Owen, was killed I was surprised at how I handled it at times. For the most part I was very matter-of-fact about the whole situation and I didn’t really break down until the end of his funeral when I was the last to leave the room. Up until that point I was too busy consoling everyone else around me to allow my own feelings to take hold. I think I get that from my mother and so I think I recognize what she’s going through herself right now. She’s not grieving at the moment, just acknowledging the event and doing what needs to be done.
As I said previously, I didn’t know my uncle well enough to be upset at the news of his impending death, but I feel for my mother who has buried the two of her three younger brothers so far. All I can do is offer her an ear when she feels like talking.
Suckage.