The Quiet Outlaw

It is not the years in your life, but the life in your years that counts.- Adlai Stevenson

Some might have called him a wall flower, others would say he was just very quiet...but those that knew him well, knew he was far from both. My Uncle Jerry was by no means a flashy guy. He was always the man that stood in the back of the room at huge family events and always stepped aside when someone was flying through the kitchen at Nanny's. You never heard him complain about anything...and I mean anything. Uncle Jerry endured many dinners and events with our large nutty family including my lovable Uncle Jay! Oh boy....I know he will miss him!

Uncle Jerry had the wit and humor that could make you smile for hours. I can remember when I was younger having endured hours "in the front room" at Nanny's house, walking back to the TV room only to find Uncle Jerry sitting on the couch watching something that was always more interesting than the drama in the front room. He would always make a joke about not having to "put up with the front room drama" and ask if I wanted to join the crowd. And I always did. He was a funny guy, quick to crack a wise comment and the man that created the "outlaws". The outlaws were the husbands of the sisters. They would usually stand together at a function (usually at the back of the room) and make fun of everyone else (quietly of course). He was the ringleader and you would never know by his size and demeanor....but he was indeed the man with the plan!

My uncle was a family man as well. He was devoted to my Aunt Margie and was always by her side. I can't ever remember a time that there wasn't one without the other....they truly were a pair. I imagine like any couple they had their ups and downs, but you would never know it. They stayed true to each other and true to their children and grandchildren.Whenever either of their children needed anything (or grandchildren for that matter) they would help without hesitation and go over and beyond what was necessary to make everything better.I often thought that they reminded me of one of the couples from the "in between" scenes in When Harry Met Sally; they could always finish each others' sentences and thoughts...literally.

I can't help but think that when Uncle Jerry was diagnosed early this year with lung cancer he probably was scared. I imagine that was not a diagnosis he was prepared for. Heck...it's not a diagnosis anyone is prepared for. But in true Uncle Jerry fashion....he handled it in stride. Throughout his entire battle you would always seem him with a smile on his face and ever so often catch him saying something funny under his breath. Even last week, my father told me he was sitting up on the couch, wrapped in his blue snuggie making fun of Uncle Jay (lol)! Oh Uncle Jerry! Some things will never change!

So I would like to think that somewhere in heaven right now, my uncle is sitting somewhere in front of a beautiful pond, peacefully relaxing without any distractions. Of course...there might be a TV near by with a good western on...because after all...he is the quiet outlaw!

Love to you Uncle Jerry and to the Sides Family

JAR