"You want to see where I got shot ?" Of course I do, not knowing Korea was ten years past and Uncle had never been shot. He has a `hellava' hole just below the belt line. Makes perfect sense to a young boy.

Fifth grade. Grandpa Tilden takes me to Oklahoma to visit Uncle. All of us at a hugh rattlesnake round up that is held every year. Grandpa and Uncle are three feet away as someone else snags a snake with a snare, "AW CHRIST!!" My Uncle voicing the words I had always associated with Grandpa.

Standing under a stormy sky with Uncle a tornado warning is in effect. He isn't an older brother or the father I never had more like a friend bound by blood.

Years later passing though Texas I call Uncle, "Door is open, beer is in the fridge." Family, it is a good feeling to know. When was it that I dropped the word Uncle and started calling him by name? The respect shown now by a handshake between two men. Mutual concern for his mother my grandmother or because I am uncle to my sisters kids now. Funny how that works..

"Your uncle has been in a diving accident, he is in a decompression chamber on Catalina Island." Don't worry Aunt Anita, I have sisters on the inland one of them will be there when he gets out. family.

Saturday was garage sale day for Mom and sister Kim, they mention looking for diving gear. The Denver Broncos won today and Uncle Pat died...aw christ.