How many of you have an "Uncle Bud" in your lives?

I'm talking about one of those family members who was a role model, who was always encouraging and positive, who you always answered when he called on the phone. A relative in your life who wasn't a parent but just made the world a better place because he was in it.

That is a perfect description of my Uncle Bud. His real name was David, but we called him "Bud" because he was named after his father, and two Davids would have been too confusing. He died a few weeks ago at the ripe old age of 95.

He'd been a crew chief on a B-29 Superfortress during his time in the Air Force. After his military service, he married my Aunt Ann, and they settled in Nashville, Tennessee, where he got into the grocery business managing stores.

They had six children. Uncle Bud used to say that every time he looked at my aunt, she got pregnant. They were happily married for 51 years until Ann's death in 2006.

In the 1970s, Uncle Bud developed cancer that forced the removal of his bladder, and he urinated into a bag for the next 50 years. I still recall my mother sitting on the couch at our home in Columbus, Ohio, sobbing after learning about her brother's cancer diagnosis.

Eventually, my aunt would have a nervous breakdown and be unable to work at her nursing job and only have limited ability to care for her family.  Uncle Bud never complained and did his best to work, help his wife, and care for his children.

In the late 1990s, his middle daughter Betty died of breast cancer, leaving behind two young children. 

Despite his numerous challenges and setbacks, I have rarely met a more positive, outgoing, and faithful person than Uncle Bud. His belief in a higher power watching over us sustained him through his earthly trials.

By today's standards, he would not be deemed to be a very affluent or successful person. He didn't leave behind much in the way of material wealth. But for me, he was a man who was infinitely prosperous because he had a rich reciprocal love with his family, friends, and Creator. He was an exceptional role model for living an uncommon and extraordinary life.  

I will miss this man I wish I'd been able to spend more time with. I will pray that God has reunited him with his family and friends, allowed him to imbibe his favorite adult beverage, Miller Lite, and provided him the opportunity to enjoy one of his favorite pastimes, watching sports.

I also pray that God will allow me to unite with Uncle Bud when my time on this earth ends. I hope I hear the exact words I know God said when Bud reached heaven's gates, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home!"

Leave me a comment about someone who is one of the best people you have associated with and what made them so special. Your opinions and perspectives are valuable, and I'd enjoy hearing them.