The last week of September is one that I do not look forward to, at least in recent years. This is the week that we celebrate the birthdays, lives, and deaths of two of my favorite men, father surrogate Uncle Barry, and best friend for many years, Bryan Townsend. Let me tell you a little bit about these two wonderful men.

Uncle Barry was my most constant father figure. He was married to my mother’s oldest sister, Aunt Evelyn, whom we called Bebo. Aunt Bebo and Uncle Barry raised me for many years, filling in when my mother needed them to. My mother passed away in 1998 at the young age of 64. Aunt Bebo followed close behind, in 2003. Uncle Barry lived for many more years, passing away in 2021 at almost 91 years of age. Our family had the honor of celebrating holidays with him, traveling with him, and in many other ways including him in our activities. Unlike my mother and aunt, Uncle Barry enjoyed being at the center of family activities. We cooked together, watched Sunday night and Monday night football together, and sang together as we traveled. Uncle Barry was “a piece of work!” I had to remind him many times to watch his mouth when the grandchildren were around. He did not put on airs for anyone. There was no one like him, and I miss him immensely. This Friday, September 29^th is Uncle Barry’s birthday, and we will keep his memory close to our hearts, not just on his birthday, but forever.

Bryan Townsend and his wife Judy have been my best friends for many years. One of the “funnies” I tell is that I acquired Bryan and Judy from my first husband, and when we divorced, they kept me! The truth is, they (well, Bryan!) would have kept both of us, but it did not work out that way. When Mike and I married, Bryan and Judy embraced him, and we spent many wonderful times together. But not enough, for Bryan died much too soon at 64 years of age in 2012. Bryan’s death hit all of us so hard, but none more so than his wife Judy, and precious children, Jim, Lee, and Patti Anne, and his mother, Idell. Bryan’s death left a void that will never be filled. But his life also left a legacy of honor, love, and laughter. Bryan’s birthday is September 28^th, which is also the anniversary of his death. Although “officially” Bryan died on September 29^th, Judy believes he died on September 28^th, when his organs shut down and he was no longer alive other than by artificial means. It is hard to believe that it has been 11 years since Bryan passed away, but his memory lives on in so many ways.

So, on September 28^th and September 29^th, the lives of these two special men will be celebrated in spirit, as memories of times with them flood my mind. I will try to remember the good times. I will try to not focus too much on the fact that we only have them now in spirit. I will remember the gifts their lives gave us.