Jamie’s bride of almost three years was unavailable to travel to Cincinnati with us for Doug’s funeral. But when we talked before we left Ukraine, she shared some of her heartfelt thoughts. I asked her to please put in writing what she had told me so that I could pass it on to other family members. Which she did. And we all decided that Jamie should read it at the funeral.
Here’s what she sent:
What a great loss… This is such a difficult time for the Matthews.
I didn’t know Uncle Doug that well. But even the few days I was able to spend with him and the rest of the family in Cape Cod left the warmest memories in my heart. All the friendly smiles, hugs, jokes, songs and yummy food and coffee. All that is what Cape Cod and my new family are associated with in my mind. In these past three years that I’ve been Mrs. Peipon junior I got so used to the thought that I have a family in US. It was easy to fall deeply in love with Uncle Doug and the rest of my aunts and uncles and Gramma because I saw them through my husband’s eyes and heart. I heard so many stories from Jamie and felt so much warmth in his voice that all of his feelings became mine, too.
It hurts to think of what had just happened. It hurts to know how your hearts ache for your beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. It hurts to realise there is nothing I can do to help soothe this pain. But there are a few things that bring comfort to my heart. First of all, my Lord, that is always there for those who love Him. His presence and comfort are especially real and physical in moments of despair. And secondly… We will never be able to enjoy Doug’s company again, but… I’m SO grateful I got to meet him. It’s such a shame I didn’t get to meet Grandpa (even though I heard so much about the great man he was). So I am happy I met Uncle Doug in person and was able to experience his great impact on everything, his unique sense of humor and optimism, get to know his extraordinary personality. He will always be in our memories and our hearts. The jolly Santa he was. That’s Uncle Doug that I knew and will always know.
Pretty special, eh?
RSS - Posts
Marianna, and the rest of your family,
What a tribute to one you love. Dascha’s words of remembrance are touching. Her words of comfort that emphasize the comfort only present in our Lord are a great testimony.
Marianna & Dasha~ I loved reading this sweet tribute to your brother/uncle. He sounds like he was a very loved man and I know was very blessed to have family like you. Praying that the Lord will continue to strengthen and give comfort to each of you in the days ahead.
Luv~ Mel
Wayne and Mel: Dasha wrote thoughts that were even hard for those of us with English as a FIRST language were finding it hard to put into words. You can imagine that there was not a dry eye in the church after Jamie read it…