We've Lost Another Tiffany Jewel.

My step dad and my mom's brother in law passed away after struggling with multiple maladies. He was like me, on oxygen 24/7, and Aunt Lily, my step dad's adorable sister took wonderful care of Uncle Bob. He was an extraordinary fixer of plumbing and electrical woes. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his few words were filled with wisdom.

Aunt Lily is the funniest, tell it like it is person that I know. I think that she is awesome. Here is a true happening in their life together. While on vacation in sunny, warm Florida, they were in a serious accident that landed them in the hospital for a time. When the accident occurred, several ambulances came to take them to the hospital. Unbeknownst to each other, they were taken to different area hospitals and they could not find each other for several days, each thinking the worst had happened to the love of their lives. Imagine being in a strange hospital, unable to find your loved one because a tragic accident has happened and you are dependant upon others to help you find your mate. Truly, I can't imagine.

If you know Aunt Lily and Uncle Bob like me, you know that nothing could or would keep them apart. They did find each other and I imagine it was quite the reunion-the best kind-to be alive and know that your best friend is still with you.

As the story unfolded, the insurance agent demanded a picture of the totaled vehicle as proof of the accident. As the vehicle looked like a crushed tin can, it was hauled away. Thus, there was no picture of this accordion vehicle that nearly took their lives. This particular insurance agent insisted on having i.d. of this long gone vehicle. Finally, Aunt Lily, at the end of her rope, said,"Did you want me to carry it on my back or push it from Florida to Pa.?" Well, who could say this any better than Aunt Lily!!! You should have heard me laughing over that one.

Today as Mom and I went to Pa. for the funeral of Uncle Bob, we marveled at the fact that we were blessed to be apart of Tiff's family. They have always welcomed us with open arms, hugs, kisses, goodwill and a sense a humour that has carried us through the deaths of so many Tiffany Jewels. As the minister pointed out today, Uncle Bob was a casual, every day person, who willingly helped others. He was just like the Tiffany's. Tiff's family is our family and we adore them. They all have a very special place in our hearts as they are the link to our beloved Tiff.

After the funeral, Mom and I went to Gibson to visit Tiff. We planted miniature roses for Tiff as he was a lover of roses. For Father's Day, I always bought him a rose bush. I would tell him that he was the rose between all of us thorns. Poor fellow! He was out numbered by all of us girls, but I suspect that he loved every minute of it. I had bought him so many rose bushes that mom said they were running out of room.

So, Helen and I, as a joke decided to fill the lawn with those pink flamingos that Tiff despised as lawn ornaments. Our plans included putting a flock of those brilliant pink birds on the front lawn, so that when Tiff awoke, he would be in his glory with a flamingo flock of his own. Only, despite going to several stores, those flamingos were sold out as they were so popular that year. Or did Tiff out maneuver us as he got wind of our idea to flock him with those two legged birds? Instead of the birds, we bought him an outrageous, bright, colorful Hawaiian shirt that we knew he would dislike upon sight as a joke. But to our surprise, he sported it to the Tiffany family reunion at Aunt Lily's and Uncle Bob's.

As I stood gazing at his miniature roses that Mom had just planted,I told him that he now had Uncle Bob to visit with and that one day, we would all be together and that Mom and I had planted his favorite flowers-vibrant colored roses-just like him.

My eyes are welling with tears as I write this. Despite Mr. Tiff not being here with us, he is always here with us in spirit and fond memories. From the time that I got sick, I wasn't able to go to the cemetery and so for me, this was a special day in so many ways-the loss of Uncle Bob and his struggle to live, paying tribute to our beloved Tiff, seeing the Tiffany's once again to be embraced in this wonderful, giving family and to know that despite losing a loved one, the sun will shine once again lighting our way to fond memories.

May Uncle Bob and Tiff enjoy their conversations in Heaven as we enjoyed reminiscing about them today. They are the best. Much love to them from us.

I thought of this song today as Mom and I were riding along and chit chatting about life. This song came to mind when Aunt Lily and Uncle Bob were separated by that unbelievable accident. Kathy Mattea sings this song with such grace and feeling.