Be Like Paul...

 

I just returned from an unexpected family reunion. There were no barbecues, games of volleyball or frisbee, but there were plenty of hugs, smiles, laughs and a lot of story telling. There were tears, too, but they were all mixed with the happy stuff. I think that’s how Paul would have planned it.

My uncle Paul lived every day with joy and love and I believe he infected everyone who ever crossed his path. As is the way in big families, I spent way more time with my aunts than with my uncles but I can honestly say that every moment spent with Paul is etched in my heart. His mantra was to be present in every moment and we kids felt that.

My mother talks about following her big brother through all sorts of adventures. That continued through adulthood. Well past retirement, she followed him on long hikes and canoe trips through the boundary waters of our northern border and beyond.  He never stopped learning and took his wisdom around the world, I loved his stories of meeting with farmers in Africa, China and various mountaintops to teach them how to raise strong, healthy animals for better milk production for the community.

While he loved communicating his knowledge, he just loved meeting people from all over the world. To him, it was a gift that others shared time with him. In return, he always brought gifts. Whether it was bubblegum, seeds, or books, giving brough him great joy. At home, he hunted treasures at garage sales and flea markets for trinkets to share. It was not unusual for him to hand over jewelry boxes to a pack of nieces to dig through for our own treasures. One of my favorite rings came from a surprise Paul visit while visiting my grandparents.

I think every child in my family has at least one wonderful story about an encounter with Uncle Paul. I happened to be visiting my grandparents with my new baby and Paul showed up. He snatched my startled baby from my arms and had her on the floor with his face in hers until she laughed. That’s who he was. Locking eyes, expressing love and joy with every one he met. Speaking for myself (and possibly for my siblings), I know that his smile, his stories, his kindness, and his love will stay with me for the rest of my life.

 I’m sad to have said goodbyes but so grateful to have had him. If you don’t have a Paul in your life, then I suggest BEING the Paul for others. Walk through life with an open heart, open eyes, and open hands to share love and kindness with others. Be Like Paul.