My uncle Jean was an amazing person, and through him, I got to learn of my paternal grandfather, who died in 1958, eight years before I was even born. He passed on to me and my brother many stories of our family. He was also a model example of good healthy living given that he was 106 years old. Ironically, I had not even known of him until just before his 100th birthday, almost 10 years ago, but I visited him several times over the years, even while still living in Colorado and will always remember fondly the family reunion to celebrate his 100th birthday. I saw him one last time this past June for his 106th birthday.

Last night, I got the news. He died this past Monday. I am saddened that I will not be able to attend his funeral because I only learned about his death after I had already made most of my travel arrangements to Europe. I am sad that I will not get to chat with him again in this life.

But I do not grieve about his death. How could I for a man who has lived such an incredibly long and happy life? I will endeavor to follow his examples.