People who make a difference

"Make a difference".  Now there's a strange phrase.  What does it mean to make a difference?  There are many people in the world that make a difference.  Whether it is to a few or to a great number, I think everyone makes a difference in one way or another.

For the last couple of days, I have been thinking about someone in my life who has made a difference.  He's one of those people who does not enter a room quietly and I don't know if I've ever seen him enter a room without a smile.  He is a "larger than life", always up to or into something kind of guy - always ready for a little fun.

My first recollection of him is as a teenager.  I was a little kid and he was definitely one of the coolest "men" in my life.  In the early 1970s, he wore shoulder length hair, parted down the middle that was quite "hip and happening".  So, naturally, as a young child, I was impressed.  I can remember being taken over to his house where my aunt had invited us to swim and was simply amazed with the way she had decorated his or his brother's room - I can't remember which, with the psychedelic, black and white wallpaper.  Wow.  I remember his wedding to Cindy and how much Al adored her.  They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, who I have watched grow into strong, beautiful, spunky women. 

Through the years, we've spent many holidays together, along with family parties celebrating birthdays, graduations, weddings and babies.  We've spent a lot of time sharing the milestones of life.  We've also gathered together as those of our family have passed on from this life.  We have shared our joy and also our sorrow. 

Unfortunately, it is time to share our sorrow as we mourn the passing of this man: husband, father, brother, friend, cousin.  My cousin, Al, left us yesterday and leaves behind him many lives who have been touched by his kindness, gentleness, and, yes, his sometimes warped sense of humor. 

His death was sudden and, therefore, unexpected.  It is tragic.  It doesn't make sense.  (Not that anyone's death ever does.) 

I have done a lot of thinking about Al.  It is hard to imagine not seeing him anymore, this side of eternity.  His big smile, loud voice, twinkling eyes that always made me wonder if he was up to something will be greatly missed.  Holidays and family celebrations will not be the same without him.

I am profoundly grateful that God sent Al into this world, for all the lives he touched.  He made a difference in my life.  I always knew he'd be glad to see me.  I knew he'd give me a big old hug and call me "sweetie".  That felt good. I knew to expect some funny story, great and grand that he'd have to share about his latest adventure - whether that adventure took place on a trip or in his own backyard.  He was always up to something.  I knew I'd leave him laughing - both of us, sharing the silliness, irony, or joy of life.

Amidst all of that mischief,  there was no mistaking his love for his family or his friends.  I am thankful to have been the recipient of some of that love.  It made a difference to me.  When we have people in our lives who love us unconditionally, it changes us.  It gives us confidence to be who we are and security, knowing that we are accepted.

Thank you, Al, for always being you - for taking the gifts given to you and using them to love others.  I think that's what God had in mind when he sent you here.  I am blessed for having had you in my life.  I will forever be reminded to live life - to enjoy what I've been given.  I will try not to let life pass me by and, instead,  jump in with both feet to enjoy, love, share and laugh.  You will be missed.