Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Ode to an Uncle..
An uncle is many things to different people.
Uncle Mervyn, my mother’s brother, was to me a huge part of my life. I wanted nothing more when I was young than to go to the farm for my summers, and that meant for a large part, visiting my cousins generally and seeing Uncle Mervyn and Auntie Rosemary.
I’ve many wonderful memories of my Uncle Mervyn, some more impactful. One summer my parents put me on the train to Saskatoon, by myself, and it was a worrisome journey for me, didn’t even eat as I was not going to venture from that passenger car and I was quite concerned I would miss my stop. What a wonderful sight when Mervyn picked me up, took me home and fed me. I felt safe again.
A city kid living on the farm, Uncle Mervyn was that cool Uncle who could do anything, and let me do almost anything! He, along with others, taught me how to drive, put me on the tractor, gave me work and responsibilities. He even let me hunt gophers! Put me on a horse (not my favourite thing) but showed me how to do things.
Many good memories, most vivid of which were the alone times, such as when just he an I went out to milk cows. I can recall so much of those times, and seeing the glee in his eye as he would squirt milk into the open mouths of the cats lined up for a taste. The kindness was evident, and it was extended to me. We would talk, and he time for me, even when he was busy. He would seek me out as he was heading to check cows, he knew I loved those road trips. He even let me sit on the tailgate!
Uncle Mervyn, was more than an Uncle to me, was really more a second father. He always gave me guidance and kindness, he also showed how much he cared for me, and as years went on, he was proud in my accomplishments. I always looked forward to our visits.
To Kevin, Jackie, Kim and Robyn, condolences to you as you grieve and remember. Your family as a whole is impactful in my life, and shaped who I am. Your father has a huge part in that. We never know in life, what impact we will have on others, Uncle Mervyn had a huge one in mine.
Father, friend, husband and mentor who grew food to feed others. What a great life.
With love,
Cousin Jay
