3 years ago on this exact date, I woke up, got ready for school and had gotten the heart breaking news that my uncle had passed away. I remember very little from that day, but all day memories I had shared with him had played through my head. I'll never forget when I was sleeping and woke up to find out Uncle Paul had taken my brothers on quite the journey to get chickens for my dad. I watched him laugh the hardest he ever has while telling my parents and I the adventure they had. I'll never forget the endless teasing I got from Uncle Paul. Such as how messy my thick curly hair was to him making fun of whatever clothes I was wearing. Although he made fun of me quite often, I know I had a special place in his heart. I was one of his god children, and let me tell you I was extremely spoiled by him. I remember him coming over for christmas, bringing presents for everyone. Most of the kids would just get candy, but I always got something extra. He bought me one of my favorite princess lights, my first laptop, and so much more. Despite the condition he was in for the long 8th & 1/2 months, he always was making a joke. I remember when I first saw him in the hospital, a nurse came in to check on him and he started telling her "Ma'am I want aaaaaalllllllllll the drugs! All of them!!". We took him to Linos for dinner and had a bit of a wait and I remember him whispering to me "When are we going to get our damn table?". I admire him so much, how bravely he fought his battle. Although he did not win it, he never gave up and always had a smile on his face. I'll never forget seeing him the night he died. I didn't realize it was the last time I'd see him, hug him, talk to him, but it was. I remember sitting with him in his living room with his beloved fireplace going, watching Duck Dynasty while he slept. My parents told me it was time to go since my brothers and I had school the next morning. I got up and said goodbye to my aunts while my brothers said good bye to my uncle. I walked over to his bedside and hugged him, instantly feeling him hug me back. Tears fell down my cheeks as he whispered "I love you" to me for the last time and then quickly fell back asleep. I could go on forever and ever with memories I have with my Uncle, but this post would be extremely long.

Although you aren't here with me physically Uncle Paul, I know you're always at my side. You never fail to send me signs such as the beautiful flowers growing outside to your painting falling randomly while I was simply walking down the stairs. I can feel your presence as you send me these signs and not a day goes by where I don't pray for you and hope you can hear the things I am telling you. Thank you for being my guardian angel, thank you for guiding me through my life and helping me become the person I am today. I am truly blessed to have my life touched by your artistic, witty, and loving hands. Rest in paradise Uncle Paul, I cannot wait to see you again. ❤️

Today I left my brother,

(Dad said he couldn’t tag along this time,

I must venture this alone.)

I’m headed on a journey,

God’s taking me on a long walk to a new home.

Beauty was my passion,

I created many sites –

From hair to cats, and even plants,

They all had to look just right!

It’s said ‘Beauty is in The Eye of the Beholder’ –

Like the rainbow in my dreams –

And now I can finally see it,

The land that I’ve dreamed of –

And dad is there to greet me,

I’ll tell him of your love.

So I closed my eyes one last time,

And I wished upon a star –

That God would keep you safe for me,

Because the journey I travel, it is far.

And my only regret my brother,

My very special friend –

Is that today, I must leave you,

But We Will Meet Again!

We explored, we dreamed-

We captured, we schemed,

We hatched, and we reproduced –

If there was something we couldn’t have,

We even gave it a boost!

We gave it our all, my pal and I –

Boy, what a ride we had!

But today I must journey,

To live in Heaven with Our Dad.

We shared many a laugh,                                                                                                                     

Through-out all our years –

And during these days,

We’ve also shared tears.

I don’t want to leave you,

But, I must now you see-

Just remember ‘Our Bond’ is forever

My buddy, my friend, my brother Lee –

For you will always be a part of me.                       

 (A message for you, written by the hands of your sister Anne, from Paul.
This was lost for awhile, but now it’s found its way home.)       April, 2014