$500 & Cheetos

In my early 20’s I was working part time while trying to put myself through College. I recall my Uncle Kevin asking me how things were going and I would say something along the lines of things were good… but he would tend to dig deeper and ask me about how much things cost. I’d talk about the tuition, the parking pass, books…etc. and how I was awaiting what was likely my first credit card. He asked me how much the books cost to which I replied around $500. I don’t recall what we were doing that day but it likely revolved around playing baseball, watching a football or hockey game. He probably jabbed me about how my Leafs suck and I’d ask him if he could even name 5 players on his Habs that season…Damn, I’m going to miss that! Later, he handed me $500. I didn’t want to accept it but Uncle Kevin wouldn’t take no for an answer…years later when I tried to pay him back he would not accept it. He was rather stubborn!

Fast forward, I graduated college and am very fortunate to have the life I have…beautiful wife, son & daughter. Uncle Kevin would come by and bring my kids a big bag of Cheetos. They called him “Uncle Speesh” (short for Special K). I’ll never forget Matt’s (my cousin & Uncle K’s son) 19th bday…Uncle K and Aunt Helen allowed me to execute my epic plan and Uncle K was the DD of the evening! I can’t elaborate much more but what a fun night we all had.

Sometimes life gets busy or in the way but one of my favourite sayings is that true friends/family can have time pass and when you meet back up you can just carry on right where you left off…I was very fortunate to share some great conversations and memories with my Uncle earlier this month…We thought we had more time.

I got the news while away on business…I was lost for words…While working at the clients I had all these great memories return and I could kinda hear Uncle K’s voice in my head…then I heard a crunching sound behind me. One of the clients had just cracked open a bag of Cheetos and left the bag on their desk. It was in my view the remainder of the day.

$500, Cheetos and memories I’ll always cherish. Thank you Uncle K! I love you and I’m really going to miss you! Until we meet again!

Dave Junior