Louie wrote:
I always looked up to my mom's brother Paul, not just because he's my middle namesake, but because I thought his life was great and he had it all figured out. He didn't own a home or have a wife or kids. And partly because of that, he was able to "retire" early after investing much of the money he made tending bar at LuLu's Bait Shack in Atlanta. He just traveled around the country in his little Honda, often picking up hitchhikers, and always dropping me notes or newspaper comics in the mail. He went where he pleased. His email was Paul.Nomad.Rogers@yahoo.com.
And when he did stop back in WI, he was the life of every party, zany and always cracking everyone up. I loved when he would come to town, especially when I was in college. My roommates and I had more than a few crazy nights out with Paul. He would buy us countless rounds of beers and he could always strike up a conversation with anyone at the bar. His background in the service industry helped, but mostly it was his outgoing personality. I have so many fun memories from the few times he came and stayed on our couch.
I am glad that he was part of my wedding day (and night, hanging with us right up until bar time at Jordan's). Sadly, I actually hadn't seen or spoken to him since that night. He never got to meet my kids, and for that, I'm truly upset. They would've loved him.
I always held out hope that one day he might come back into our lives. But the truth is, as much as I thought (in my youth) that he had life figured out, it turns out he was suffering and struggling. Now he's at rest. I will never forget him. Love you, Uncle Paul!
~Louie Mingione
