Uncle Ronny

We laid uncle Ronny to rest Monday, August 1, 2011. He was Danny's uncle, but my uncle too. He was a special man. Special in more ways than one. You see, Uncle Ronny had special needs, but anyone that knew him, won't remember him that way. They will remember him for his huge smile, his silly big ears, and for the love he had for his family. One Thanksgiving I had the pleasure of taking Danny's Granny and Uncle Ronny to Aunt Jan's house. Uncle Ronny could not wait for the turkey to be done and for Pat, Michelle and Danny to get there. He was proud of his family... even Grant. Anytime I saw him, the first question out of his mouth was always 'where's the baby?" He thought Grant was "soo purdy" and he loved to play with him. Ronny was a simple man, too. He took great pleasure in watching the weather and keeping us all advised of the forecast. He found pleasure in the smallest things. One Christmas, I drew his name for the gift exchange. When I asked him what he wanted, his reply was colored underwear. Colored underwear?!? "Yes," he explained, "all the other men in the home (nursing home) wear white." He wanted to be different. Of course I bought them for him and he was oh so proud! You would have thought I had given him a fortune. Uncle Ronny kept us grounded. Reminded us to be thankful for the simple things in life, and helped us to laugh. No one will ever be able to tell the nanny goat joke like him. Christmas won't be the same, either. He absolutely could not wait to open his presents. "Momma, is it time to open presents, yet? Momma, tell them to hurry. Momma, can I open mine?" Rest in peace, Ronnie Dean. We love and miss you.