I’m wrecked. My dear uncle passed Saturday. He shook my hand when I graduated boot camp and said, “Semper Fi, Marine.” I didn’t know he was a Vietnam vet or Marine.
Labor Day 2005, I returned from basic training and MOS school. I knew exactly where I wanted to be @ Lake Chelan, WA with fam @ his place. As usual, he bought 12+ tickets to a Kingston Trio concert to hand out to anybody. He insisted I go. I’m glad I did.
The crowd was twice+ my age. There was a cute girl working at the winery. He pulled some angles (he had connections) and relayed her name. She and I talked a lot that night and met for breakfast in the morning. She met us at his lake house later where my cousin began prepping for our wedding. Why she didn’t turn and run??? A year later, I was asking this amazing girl for her hand in marriage at that winery.
I closed my eyes Saturday, remembering the brilliant blue reflecting off the lake. Him reading a book while observing things. Kids, friends, and family everywhere, having fun. He was soaking in the joy of others, letting it warm his heart for the childhood he didn’t have.
I miss him and admire him.
If you’re a Marine, vet, or friend of Weldon or mine, please consider helping their family, even if it’s only $10.
s/f uncle, USMC brother, mentor, and friend"