The Lives We Live, the Changes at the Door

/ Pam Goode

Last week I learned that my uncle had died quite suddenly of a heart attack. I can’t say he was a spring chicken, but since I didn’t see him often, he was always young in my mind.

He was one with a passel of boys and a sister, born and raised in the Garden District, and later landing in Pass Christian, Mississippi.

He had a good life, and I plan to remember him that way.

Not all of us walk both sides of life. My uncle was a gentle loner who leapt into action when there were friends nearby, served as an avid tour guide whenever we drove down for a visit, and was delighted to show us the ins and outs of the garden district whenever we were in town. He was a good man, learned and happy to tell all he knew. I liked him very much.

When we heard the news, I took it hard. In fact, much harder then you’d think for a girl who spent time with her uncle on perhaps a hand full of occasions during his life. He was, however, much like my own father — they were brothers who took on whatever tasks seemed right for each day.

I was always charmed to know a man who not only worked both sides of the fence, but happily lived a life that melded simplicity, oodles of knowledge, good stories, and a true interest in everyone who crossed his path. He was gracious without a second thought.

I think I would have enjoyed growing up at ease with either side of the coin — something I’ve never been able to say about myself.

I sometimes wonder … do the best parts of our selves jump into action only when we stumble upon tragedy? How often do we take opportunities to reach out, to listen, to laugh?

How often do these moments change us?

Can we hold on to the change? Can we become the change?

I’m still pondering.

Pam Goode

14 thoughts on “The Lives We Live, the Changes at the Door”

  8. I am sorry for your loss. Grief is hard to navigate, I have had my fair share of it sadly. When I lose someone, life seems to take on a clearer picture of how fast time goes or how nothing stays the same. My memories are bigger & sadness comes without warning at times.

    Thank you for this writing. I appreciate reading about others experiences in life. ❤️

    Many thanks. Life doesn’t get easier — but we do keep learning.

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