“To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega”

Its been a sad few days for the Healey family lately. Mark’s Uncle Thom passed away on thursday after a long battle with Cancer.

I only had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Thom once, and it was on one of my very first trips to America. It was Christmas day and we had all gone out to Gram’s house for a big old Christmas Dinner. Being somewhat chilly outside, we had all bundled up really well, and I wore my new green cashmere turtleneck sweater from my future mother-in-law. So into Gram’s sweet little house on the Cape we all crammed, and the Christmas spirit was upon us. An enormous spread lay before us, and we all adjusted our waistbands to do it justice. I was perhaps understandably nervous being the newcomer and all, and pretty soon I felt a prickly heat creeping up my neck. New turtleneck perhaps? That and nerves maybe? Or could it be the 80 degree heat that Gram had pumping into the house. Pretty soon I was as red as a tomato and very aware of it too. Beads of sweat were gathering on my brow. I sheepishly I took a little peak up at my neighbors, Uncle Thom, and Mark. Sure enough Uncle Thom as going a beautiful shade of red too. “Hot enough to melt the butter in here” he cracked, and sure enough the butter was literally a pool in its fancy bowl. It was exactly what I needed to relax, and Mark and I snorted with laughter.

He knew just how to make you laugh. I only met Uncle Thom once but I will never forget how at ease he made me feel, what a ready smile he had and how eager he was to share it.
The world is a lesser place without him, thats for sure.