An attempt to Honor a Strong Man

Today was the day of the services for my Uncle Dusty. I had the most family around me today that I've had in years. My Mother, Uncle and two Aunts DROVE from Oregon to make the services of their Brother.

It was with Honor that upon arrival to the Funeral home, I needed no introduction to my Aunt or her Mother, a wonderful sign of what Family means to them, a couple of hugs, kisses on the cheek, and softly spoken remarks.

Although I fault myself for failing to make more trips over to their home, they did not in any way make me feel anything but proud for the trip that I did make. I really needed that. It takes a lot for me to admit to needing something, but after all of the "I should haves, I could haves" that had ran through my head lately, I needed that.

The Ceremony was conducted by a Medicine Man of the Ho Chunk Nation, a close friend to my Uncle. My Uncle laid there, dressed in full regalia, traditional jewlery, and his hair down. He looked at peace. I know that everyone says that as a courtesy to help those who need to accept death, but I've had my share lately, and my Uncle was at peace.

53 years old this year, out of the 53 years, 35 spent in care of the State of Oregon due to a hypocratic and corrupt system. This didn't get him down, he had his opinions which he would share, however, he earned his degree, and became an "educated brotha" while spending his time waiting to meet his wife.

I heard the story today, of how he proposed. Now mind you, this man is 6''1 and 240 of SOLID warrior. He had told Marina that he felt a little odd there on his hands and knees in the prison asking her to marry him. She spoke of how he was a closet romantic, but didn't want that to be known, "cuz the boyz would laugh at him". You could always sense his humor when he would "dumb down" his always proper and well thought grammar.

I know now, I can still hear his voice, speaking my name "Well, Robby, You be safe, and remember, you're Family, and welcome over here anytime", or "Robby, Family is Family". You can always tell how well somebody knows me by the name Robby, a name I shunned at the age of 12.

Allow me the following to address a message to my Uncle, following will be a post I left to his wife and friends on his page.

Uncle D,

Today I travelled once again to see you. A travel I took a million times in my head. A trip I had planned this week matter of fact to come over and see if I could get my 'sgetti..

You were dressed well today Unc.. A shirt custom made for your final outfit, a "simple" thing that most would overlook, but not your wife. Your Family made me feel welcome while I was where I swore I didn't want to be. I didn't want to be there, for the finality and acceptance one of the worst nightmares of recent. This isn't about me. I know this, but for the last 2 years, to have fought the fights I have fought, and to come out with a positive outlook is almost unreasonable. You have taught me many things Unc.. You taught me Honor, Integrity, and Strength, not only physical, but Emotional. The ability to deal with anything, and only show 100th of what the average person would.

Your son assisted Reg with the Ceremony today, you could tell that he was hurting, and so full of questions about the Ceremony and reasons for the practices. I hope that I will get to continue relations with your family, and that they will allow that.


I will miss you Unc, I was looking forward to the time we were going to get. Marina told me that you were going to get a motorcycle this week so we could go "ridin".. You will always ride with me, you will always be the one I seek for guidance. You were the one I would look to for strength, for the correct answers in a sissy politically correct world. That hasn't changed, only now your shell has been shed, and you can fly with the birds and swim with the fish. Enjoy the true life Unc, and be sure that anything I can do for Marina and her Family, I will, as "Uncle D, They are family.. " and "Family is Family"

Meg'wich and Good Journey

B


To take only a moment in time to try and discuss the Man I knew as Uncle Dusty, would be short changing his memory. However with these words I will attempt to show the Honor in which I hold for him.

My earliest memories are of a Wise man, a man full of Honor an Pride. A Man who would hurt himself to help his family, and help keep his "Family" safe. I didn't take enough time as I should have, as I'm sure we all regret, to sit and communicate, however every talk we had, I can recall vividly.

Uncle D was the Man who instilled Honor and Integrity as deep rooted values, although I never had the chance to thank him enough for it, I can only hope he knew as he said he did, the level in which I held him. He was so full of "Power", yet when it came to Family, that seemed to be his weakness. Family before self. A virtue I can only hope to continue in his shadow.

My last visit, I was introduced to an amazing Woman, a Woman who I was proud to call my Aunt. Family that didn't feel "awkward" just comfortable. He was so Proud during our talk in his "man cave", of where his life had brought him. I know my being "Proud" of my Uncle has no bearing, but until my last breath, I will Honor my Uncle as my teacher.