The Absent Uncle: A loss is a loss

We are not talking sports loss or something akin. This column is about a loss. Not a close relative or a shirttail cousin, not your nextdoor neighbor, not a prominent figure.  

My wife and I are on our yearly vacation.  (OK, so we are retired – how do you take a vacation from retirement? Probably another subject for another column – let’s get back to the subject at hand.) 

So, this year I (we) are experiencing the passing of three casual friendships that we have made over the past 20 years. One younger, one almost our age, another older. 

As the youngest of five children in our family I have conditioned myself to my siblings passing before me. One has to. It was difficult to deal with. But you move on, recognizing the stages of life. I sort of focused on my family and now have found the loss of these casual friends much more difficult than I expected.

One would think that family would be the hardest – and it was – but it was expected I suppose.

But the unexpected – the casual friend – that is a loss as well. Missed as a part of your life, someone that maybe gave you some joy, told you a great story, or was kind to you. Just a detail.

But not just a detail. Part of the wonderful fabric of life. They make up the tapestry that is your history. And when they are gone, well, that part of the tapestry is finished – hope it was complete – but if not, well it is.

A loss is a loss. Good-bye old friends.