Eureka Moment 3

My very close uncle was the victim of an accident this week. He was walking down the road when someone hit him with their car from behind. I attended his funeral merely hours ago. My Uncle Alex is leaving behind a son and two grandchildren. He was only 62 years old. My eureka moment is tied in losely here but stay with me. My cousin John lost his mother 8 years ago to cancer, and now 5 days ago lost his father to a car accident. My uncle never re-married, never sold his wife's car, didn't move and took care of his elderly mother in law every night, making sure she ate her dinner and take her to doctor visits. For 8 years my uncle lived without my Aunt Mary. I never saw him smile like he did when he played with his grandkids.
I consider my uncle married until the day he died. 51% of marriages end in divorce these days and frankly I find it so rare to know a man that stays faithful 8 years after his wife's death.

I know this post has nothing to do with media but it's my Eureka moment. So be it.

In this world where lack of gender communication can lead to animosity and anger, my uncle felt that communication even after death was more important than anything. He would visit her grave site the same time every week with a flower and would continue to talk to her until dusk.

Communication to my uncle was the most important, whether it be with his wife, his daughter in law, his mother in law or his grand daughter. The common media perception of a man is a guy who isn't in touch with his feelings, always shows a front, and isn't supposed to show signs of weakness. This is what the media puts out there as a real man's man.
I saw my uncle cry, speak to his wife, raise his son, hold his grandkids, continue his job at the Red Lion Diner, take care of his 90+ mother in law, all while being the backbone of his family.
To me, thats more of a real man than anyone would have you believe.

On personal note i'm sorry he's gone, he'll never be forgotten. If you didn't know him thats your loss. I miss you Uncle Alex.