Dedication to my Uncle Joel

My Uncle Joel passed away this weekend at age 53, random accident that caused him to have a heart attack. I’d seen him just the week before and he was telling me about how any one of us could die at any moment, who knew. I’m writing because he deserves a moment of dedication.

My uncle Joel always talked about his “Breakfast for Champions” which really meant a Bloody Mary. His favorite thing to do at age 53 was to take a ride on his motorcycle. He loved trouble and managed to do some damage on the way. This man had the most scheming, loud, crackling laugh I’ve ever heard. He laughed every chance he could. In fact, before he died he said something along the lines of “If I’m gonna die, I’m gonna go laughing.”I wrote a little poem inspired by some of his last words:

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause age don’t bring you beauty, thank God I’m staying young

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause the heavens need a shaker to rock their trees

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause its too crowded in the corner of contentment

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause when the cloud rains above my head, he’ll know my heart cannot get cold

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause if my soul should leave this land, further than my harley can take me, I want the wind to be my smile, the thunder to be my crackle, the sun to be my victory

If I die, I’ll die laughing, cause not even death can stop me from laughing.

God bless you Uncle Joel, may you rest in peace