We lost someone dear today ~ someone who was our "Rock" ~ Uncle Earl. Our father's brother was 87 years old. He never married; He lived next door, on the farm adjacent to ours, with our grandparents.

Our Uncle has been a constant in our lives, working with us, playing with us and lavishing upon us the attention that he would have on his own children, had he had them.

He encouraged us, praised us and continually reminded us of our heritage with stories, photographs and family heirlooms ~ always expressing his gratitude for the small things that we did for him.

The homestead is still there. We still go home where he always welcomed us.

Thank you Uncle Earl, we will miss you.

Photo: Uncle Earl in the bookshop. For larger image, click on photo.