Always in My Heart

I remember as a child how you would visit us in Texas.  You always made me laugh and told me stories about my Tia Mine and my grandpa.  Oh you and my grandpa would always argue over which channel to keep the television on.  It always made me laugh and I can still remember your distinct voice calling Tia Mine “Minerva” to calm down her brother.  I also remember you walking me to the corner store to buy me any and all the candy I wanted.  I always looked forward for our walks together, but secretly, crossing that dangerous street that separated us from the corner store always scared me because you walked slowly. You were the only person that would actually walk instead of drive. 

I remember being so amazed by the fact that you had webbed toes.  I still laugh at the memory of you trying to scare me with your toes and me actually wanting to touch them.  I just now realized that you probably never had toe socks. 

The first time I visited Pennsylvania was for Thanksgiving when I was in about first or second grade.  I had an amazing time, especially at the place that made fake snow.  You found us a sled that you had in your shed and watched my sister and I go down small slopes.  You were a remarkable man, always making sure I was having fun. 

The second time I went to visit, I went alone my senior year of high school.  I enjoyed spending time with you and Tia Mine.  Although, not being able to do as much as you were able to long ago, you still took me for drive around Waynesburg and us three enjoyed some great Hardee’s burgers.  I still remember which table we sat in and one day in spirit you can sit with me again. 

I’m sorry I missed your call and forgot to call back.  This is the second regret of my life and I hope another like this won’t happen again.  I still have your voicemail and listen to it, just to hear your voice.  You said you wanted me to visit again and believe it or not I was planning on it for next month.  I had already told my parents and was going to stay for a few weeks.  I missed being up there with you and Tia Mine.  I enjoyed the company and enjoyed the simple things in life.  It always felt like home there and I will miss that. I will also miss your random calls to just talk to me. I will especially miss the call on the birthday we both shared.   If I could turn back time to pick up my phone, I would in a second.  Uncle Kelce, I love you very much and I think of you constantly.  I’m so sorry for the missed call.  I will call you tonight and every night through a prayer.  I know you’ll be listening. 

We love you so much!