Uncle Glenn passed away this morning. Glenn was my great uncle. He was married to my Grandma's sister, Nelda. He has always been a giant, bigger than life presence in my life. He always loved me. He invited me and my college roommate over for an overnight easy drive to Mizzou one year, and fixed us a breakfast to remember. When we'd drop by to visit Grandma's grave, he would take us to Jasper's. Breakfast at Jeannie's was his specialty. When I was 10, he took me, Grandma, Aunt Nelda, Kimmie and Allison to Colorado. We rode in the back of the motorhome, and we ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere Kansas. On the way back, he accidentally brushed the upper part of the motorhome into the tree in Grandma's neighbor's yard. That tree STILL bears the scars of the impact, and daily serves as a reminder of that trip. Yeah, I ended up ruining that trip at Garden of the Gods, when I threw a terrible temper tantrum. Yeah, I regret it still today. He forgave me a long time ago, though

Uncle Glenn's death reminds me of what's important in life. Glenn's family was always the heart of everything he did. He still went to as many of his son's sports events as he could. He stood by Nelda's side as she battled cancer, then along his son's side as he fought the disease. He grieved deeply when they both lost their fight. He cried at my Mama's funeral.

He was a man of strong faith. He showed me through his actions tha a Christian can be a REAL person, with a wicked sense of humor and a gentle giant hug. He showed me what it was to love and love well.

He reminds me that home is where the heart is. I love Uncle Glenn's house. It's been his house since long before I was in the picture. It's a sweet, simple house, filled to the brim with wonderful memories. Going upstairs and playing in the attic. staying the night with my cousins in the back bedroom. Playing in the front bedroom. Meaningful family conversations in the front room. And the dining room? Countless family get togethers around the table.

I'll miss you, Uncle Glenn!