It’s been a strange week for me. Over the weekend I was notified that my uncle Mike had died. He was 54. At this moment many memories are rushing through my heart and into mind. It’s strange that after knowing a couple of days now the emotions come. He was one of a kind. You know the one I’m talking about, the favorite one. The one that no matter what the age or circumstance he will wait in line with you to ride the biggest and fastest roller coaster in the park.
He taught me some things. One was the desire to join the military. He served in the Army so I was bound for the Army. We promoted it so much that he bought me my own set of fatigues when he was a private first class and I was just 5. Though my path was the Marines he was still proud. I remember coming home from boot camp and he said “my favorite nephew is a Marine. I’m proud.” Some say I have the memory like no other person. Maybe it’s because I force myself to remember moments like these. Moments that go so far back and still remain fresh.
* When an Elvis movie would come on he saved the special seat for me.
* He popped the popcorn before Alfred Hitchcock Presents and gave me the most.
* He introduced me to Speed Racer and Mickey Mouse Club.
* Read me the Archie’s comics we enjoyed Charlie Chan movies and the Banana Splits
* He was the first celeb I knew because he was the front man to a real musical group.
* He taught me to stand up to the neighborhood bully.
* He only let me change the 45’s on the mini stereo.
* He showed me how to hit my first softball and baseball.
* He taught me the game and no other team can compare to the Cincinnati Reds.
* He loved music and played for me the sounds of the Kingmen, Beatles, Everley Brothers, etc.
* He had a huge record collection and loved to DJ for parties.
In recent years we celebrated the Reds last World Series as he bought us the same T-shirt. We evaluated the players whenever we talked. He included Jarred too. A couple of years ago my spot on the roller coaster's front row was replaced. I guess it was okay that it was no longer me. As Uncle Mike explained “It’s Jarred’s turn now.” Memories. They tell the story you want told. To me he's an icon of the generation before me. Have I or can I produce the same leadership and love to the generation after me?
This is in honor of my Favorite from his Favorite.
Steve “Mike” Wilson, 54, died Saturday March 15 at Owensboro Medical Center.
He worked in inventory at Duro Bag, Richwood, was a U.S. Army veteran of 21 years, serving in Vietnam, Korea and Kuwait. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #1484 Park Hills; Quarter Master; Junior Vice 9th District; American Legion, Elsmere; Moose Lodge, Taylor Mill; and Sunday Morning Club.
He taught me some things. One was the desire to join the military. He served in the Army so I was bound for the Army. We promoted it so much that he bought me my own set of fatigues when he was a private first class and I was just 5. Though my path was the Marines he was still proud. I remember coming home from boot camp and he said “my favorite nephew is a Marine. I’m proud.” Some say I have the memory like no other person. Maybe it’s because I force myself to remember moments like these. Moments that go so far back and still remain fresh.
* When an Elvis movie would come on he saved the special seat for me.
* He popped the popcorn before Alfred Hitchcock Presents and gave me the most.
* He introduced me to Speed Racer and Mickey Mouse Club.
* Read me the Archie’s comics we enjoyed Charlie Chan movies and the Banana Splits
* He was the first celeb I knew because he was the front man to a real musical group.
* He taught me to stand up to the neighborhood bully.
* He only let me change the 45’s on the mini stereo.
* He showed me how to hit my first softball and baseball.
* He taught me the game and no other team can compare to the Cincinnati Reds.
* He loved music and played for me the sounds of the Kingmen, Beatles, Everley Brothers, etc.
* He had a huge record collection and loved to DJ for parties.
In recent years we celebrated the Reds last World Series as he bought us the same T-shirt. We evaluated the players whenever we talked. He included Jarred too. A couple of years ago my spot on the roller coaster's front row was replaced. I guess it was okay that it was no longer me. As Uncle Mike explained “It’s Jarred’s turn now.” Memories. They tell the story you want told. To me he's an icon of the generation before me. Have I or can I produce the same leadership and love to the generation after me?
This is in honor of my Favorite from his Favorite.
Steve “Mike” Wilson, 54, died Saturday March 15 at Owensboro Medical Center.
He worked in inventory at Duro Bag, Richwood, was a U.S. Army veteran of 21 years, serving in Vietnam, Korea and Kuwait. He was a member of V.F.W. Post #1484 Park Hills; Quarter Master; Junior Vice 9th District; American Legion, Elsmere; Moose Lodge, Taylor Mill; and Sunday Morning Club.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Wilson; sons, Mark and Michael Wilson; daughters, Marlene Kohner and Patty Wilson; brothers, Allen and Bobby Wilson; sisters, Marie Collins, Cathy Wilson, Donna Jean Land, Diana Schoening and Denise Schutt; and seven grandchildren.
2 comments:
Can't explain in words to you how my heart is touched with your words. Something told me to check on your blog. He was a great funny man! Jarred & I are still talking about him ;) I love hearing your family memories. You honored your Uncle very well!
We love you.
Your wife & sons
Chuck,
I was just surfing the net and I came across your blog. Your tribute to Mike was very wonderful. I could actually hear you speaking of Mike. All the things he taught you, Donna and myself..we couldn't have asked for a better man in our world. I can remember wanting to hide inside his duffle bag when he came home from basic training, so that I could go back with him. He bought me my first pair of roller skates...you know the ones that were metal and went on with your shoes.I loved spending time with him. Mike and I grew closer when we got older. I miss him very much. I hate the fact that I can't just call him up anymore to just "cry on his shoulder". He always made me think positive about all things.My Justin looked up to his Uncle Mike the same way you did. It was unthinkable for his Uncle Mike to do any wrong. They had a relationship where they played ALOT of practical jokes on one another...Shaving cream and thumb tacks..Justin snuck into Mikes bedroom and wrote "Justin was here"on Mike's stomach..and he video taped it too. Towards the end of Mike's life, he had to take sooo many meds, therefore, he had the "munchies" for chocolate (at least that was his excuse)...anyhow, Justin stole Mike's stash,and when Mike went to look for it the next morning,he told Cindy that Evan must have eaten it all....Justin told his Uncle Mike to watch this cool video..it showed him writing then taking the candy from it's secret hiding place. Anyhow...we can't choose the family we are born into, but it doesn't mean we don't them in our own ways.
D'Nise
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