Our great-aunt and uncle grew up in our home state, but moved to the east coast nearly 50 years ago. My great-aunt still talks about “home” meaning her hometown, and then shakes her head and realizes they have lived in North Carolina longer than any place. Funny how home is where you grew up and will always be…
My aunt and uncle are both doctors and they live at the beach (very cool people). Even the Sandhillers have traveled there to visit their family and the beach. I went when I was 4 years old, then twice more when I was older. I love the beach, the shells, the smell of the saltwater (but not the taste- yeck!).
As the years passed, my aunt, uncle, their son, and then their grandchildren taught us how to make sandcastles.
Sadly, I was outside with ReeRee when we got the news that their grandson was in a car accident. Mom left a message on my answering machine, that Alex’s condition was serious, beyond serious.
I felt numb. And hopeless and wondered why bad things happen to good people.
Alex (middle) with his cousins on the family farm. He would later grow to well over 6 feet tall, but kept the same smile. A man who could do it all- sports, climb mountains, ski, and even worked for NASA.
I joined ReeRee in her sandbox. And we made sandcastles. Because I didn’t know what else to do and it took me back to the beach and better times.
Goodbye, we will miss you.
As I read Sandcastles….the tears fall….plop plop plop…..on my keyboard.
Alex was only 25 when he was taken from us.
Even though he was young, Alex lived a life well lived, with a family full of love and adventure.
You reveled in the great outer space, Alex. With your passing our hearts have an empty space so immense. You were such a large part of our universe.
We will miss you, Alex.
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have very fond memories of your Aunt & Uncle. They also welcomed me into the family with their gift to me from their trip to Italy. (I still have the lipstick holder!) I didn’t know Alex, but did meet him at a family wedding. Again, thoughts and prayers to all.