rest in peace uncle bob

i got a call late last night from my parents. it was even later for them as they are down in florida right now. i knew it couldn't be good news. and i was right. my dad's older brother, my uncle bob passed away unexpectedly yesterday. he suffered from a lifelong heart condition, which was well controlled most of the time. however, lately he'd been having some trouble and had been in and out of the hospital, but feeling good for the most part. yesterday he was riding one of the horses at the horse ranch he owns with my aunt in new jersey. he fell off the horse, came in the house and collapsed.

he was only 57. he leaves behind a wife, 3 children, (2 step and 1 of his own) and 1 grandchild, who will not remember his grandpa because he is too young. i can't imagine the pain they are all feeling today.

i will never know the depth of their loss like they will. i only see him once a year or so. but i will always remember his easy-going nature, his funny tendency to break out into a stretch pose when in public, and how he was the only one who ever called me "mel" as a child.

yes, he will be missed.

uncle bob is on the far right along with his siblings, including my dad. this picture was taken 1 year and 4 days ago at my cousin's wedding.