MY UNCLE ED

Uncle Ed was short, but stocky in build. He had the world's warmest smile and I loved him for it.

Two of my dad's sisters married men of Italian descent and lived happily thereafter. The Italian/Irish blend must be a good mixture. Both of these families had large numbers of children which made for entertaining visits. With a large number of mouths to feed, Uncle Ed was a busy man. He was a craftsman carpenter who could build a house (he built two of them), or design an intricate wood carving. He built some bookcases for me.

Even with his busyness, he and Aunt Kate always welcomed visitors. After a welcoming drink of anisette (ugh!), we would sit down to a baked chicken and spaghetti dinner, with chickens freshly killed by Uncle. I believe my love for spaghetti started in that kitchen.

After Aunt Kate's death, Uncle Ed moved to Florida to be near a sister and we lost touch for a while. One day I got a call from a cousin saying that Uncle Ed was back in town, but quite ill. I hurried to see him, got that same warm smile and spent several hours reminiscing. As I kissed him goodbye on the cheek, I somehow felt that it would by my last time with him. He died within days of that visit.

Thanks, Uncle Ed, for those memories.

More, later.