Tribute to Uncle Frank...

Just got news today that my Uncle Frank passed away... he will be sorely missed by all, especially by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Frank got sick over 4th of July and was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He underwent extensive chemotherapy to fight this disease, but in the end it won him over. He was a strong fighter (and I heard he was a bit "head-strong" at times, too!) and mustered all his courage and faith into fighting this fight. I can only believe that he is in a better place now -- a place with no pain or sorrow and a place filled with loved ones that have passed on before him. Right now, I picture that he is sitting up there ice fishing!! Frank will live on in our hearts and in the stories we tell to keep his memory alive! There will be so many!! One that immediately comes to mind is when my Dad and I went up to Frank and Sharon's to help them insulate their house. It was in February but I am not sure of the year... the only reason I remember the month is because some of my cousins had a Valentine's Dance at their school that evening! I hung out with my aunt and cousins while Dad and Frank were insulating. (Aunt Sharon made the best peanut butter cake that day!!!) Dad and Frank were trying to hurry and finish up because there was a snowstorm heading our way... and Dad wanted to head south back for home before it hit. We got on the road towards home, but didn't make it very far out of town! The winds were blowing that snow so hard that we couldn't even see the road! Now, anyone that knows my dad would know that the weather must have been really horrible for him to turn around!! But turn around is exactly what we had to do... and we had the best time hanging out that night!! My cousins did go to their school dance, but it ended early and some of the kids were stranded in town. Frank and Sharon only lived a few blocks from the school, so several of my cousins' friends stayed at the house also! The boys went out snowmobiling and joyriding around, helping people that were stuck all throughout town!! I had so much fun that I was actually kind of disappointed when we were able to get out and go home the next day!!!

God Bless You, Uncle Frank! We love you! Until we meet again...