The One We Turned To

When I was little,

you never came empty-handed a small gold coin in your palm, and a smile that felt like home.

I thought the coin was the gift…

but now I know

it was your love,

quiet, steady, priceless.

My uncle,

you were never just family.

You were the one we turned to

when life felt too heavy.

You held families together

like invisible threads,

carried burdens

no one knew you bore.

Your patience spoke without words,

your kindness lingered long after you left,

and your wisdom…

felt like God Himself was guiding through you.

Today I sit here on my knees,

not knowing where to turn,

holding questions

my heart is not ready to carry

Who do I go to now?…

Who will listen without judgment, who will steady my heart when it begins to fall apart?

You were that place…

you were that person…

for me, for so many.

And now God has called you home

His angel returned.

Heaven feels fuller,

but our world feels so empty.

And yet…

if I close my eyes,

I still feel you quiet, strong, reassuring.

Maybe

you have not left me without a guide.

Maybe the strength I saw in you,

the patience I leaned on,

the wisdom I trusted

has been gently placed within me.

And when I do not know what to do,

I will pause…

and ask,

“What would you say?”

And in that stillness,

I know I will find you again.

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

thank You for the life he lived,

for the love he gave so freely,

for the wisdom he carried so quietly.

Hold him close in Your eternal peace,

and hold us closer in our grief.

When our hearts feel weak,

be our strength.

When we feel lost,

be our guide.

And until we meet him again in Your presence,

teach us to live with the same kindness,

the same patience,

and the same love he showed us.

Amen.