A Little Bit Sad

Yesterday morning I got some bad news. My uncle, who has been battling cancer for a while, took his last breath. Like I said, a little bit sad; but maybe, just maybe, it isn't all bad.

All in all it's no terrible thing. We all have to die some day, and he had a very long life, a successful and happy family, and an extraordinary career. I guess we could all hope for so much.

If you really sit down and think about it, we should all wish for so much. I mean, for a guy that came into life without a whole lot, he made a life that could make anyone proud. Basically a self-taught guy, he worked his way up through the ranks and retired in great esteem from Gulf Power. After that he took a consulting gig in Michigan and did really well with that. A son with a doctorate in physics, who is a retired corporate VP and now teaches and is a successful general contractor, three grandchildren all grown up with families of their own, all leave him a pretty firm legacy.

When it comes right down to it, he taught me a lot. Right now, in the midst of my reflection, it seems he is teaching me a lot. I learned a lot about electronics and how stuff works, a great deal about carefully controlled ambition, and most importantly how to treat people well. It is sure there were times when Unc had a temper, but it always seemed history would prove him on the right side of his arguments, a righteous indignation of sorts. He was a big man, with a big heart, who cared for his family and protected them the best way he knew how. I could only ask that be said of me one day.

It stands to reason I will be reflecting a lot for the days, weeks, and years to come. It's often you look to an uncle as a close family member, a friend, a caregiver; but not everyday can you truly call him a mentor. R.V. Calhoun was my uncle, but will forever be my mentor in career, in life, and in loving well.

With love,
-Andy