The Day Uncle Joe Came Home

[MrScorpio]

I just found this old picture of my cousin, Jeri sitting next to our uncle Joe Louis, when he came home to Detroit for a family reunion, not long before he passed.

I remember that day quite clearly, more than 25 years ago. We had all went to one of my aunt's house, everybody in the family was there, there was a huge spread on both the dining room table, in the kitchen and in the basement.

It was standing room only.

There was a long line to go into the bedroom to see him. My aunts decided that, because of his ill health and so that everyone would get a chance, only groups of two or three would go.

I was sitting in the kitchen when I was told that my turn was up. I was little nervous. This would be the first time (and last) that I would get to see Uncle Joe. Entering the bedroom, first saw my smiling aunts and then I looked to my left and saw him, Uncle Joe. I didn't know what to do other than shake his hand. I took hold of the same hands that meant so much to our family and to so much of black people in America and to so much of the free world.

He smiled at me and we exchanged a few quiet words together. I could see his gentle soul through his eyes. And I felt proud that the same blood flowed both of our veins.

I had to walk from the room soon so that others could get their chance, but not before I told him that I loved him.

Goodbye, Uncle Joe.

[carpediem]

1. Thanks for sharing, That was a nice story.

you should be proud.

[sundog]

2. aw, man

beautiful post, scorp

:hug:

[kedrys]

3. Thank you for the lovely story

From what I can tell, you turned out every bit as classy as your uncle Joe. No doubt he would be very proud of you. :hug:

[auntAgonist]

4. Thank you

for letting us share a piece of your life.



:hug:
aA
kesha

[Redstone]

5. Quite touching. There went a man, indeed.

Redstone