Tribute to my Uncle Pentti

Uncle Pentti has been in my life for 53 years. 32 of those years he was diligent in remembering my kids' birthdays, Christmas and writing letters at least once a month. 32 years is a long time for anyone to keep in touch long distance. But Uncle Pentti was unwavering in his commitment to family. He passed away August 29, 2009 and I will miss his notes and cards and letters.

My Uncle Pentti had many challenges in life. His physical development stopped around age 12 and his hope all his life was to be "normal", to be able to get married and have a family. He knew this was not possible, but in stead of drowning in self pity he took on serving others. He received the highest honor in scouting for 40 years of service. He took care of both his mom and dad (my grandma and grandpa) until they passed away. He was always willing to assist others and make sure everyone had what they needed.

When I was a young girl, I remember Uncle Pentti giving up his share of fruit or piece of cake so that I would not have to go without. He took my sisters and I swimming in the summer making sure we were safe at our favorite swimming hole. He would tell us stories of his childhood or stories about relatives he went and visited. And that really was his favorite thing to do - tell stories.

Uncle Pentti had an opportunity to come to United States about 13 years ago. My kids remember him always willing to play with them making up games that did not necessarily need a common language. The bond of family and friendship didn't need to be spoken. He talked about that American vacation for years! We always laugh when we think about Pentti sitting next to Ron in the big truck yelling "Easy boy!" when Ron was driving too fast for his liking.

Uncle Pentti was born May 11, 1934. His favorite pet was a goat because it reminded him of him - stubborn and hard headed. His life truly was devoted to family and serving others. I have a lot to learn from his life and choices he made along the way. Open, honest, non-assuming, loving and true he has taught us all about how life should be lived. I love you Uncle Pentti. Enjoy your new life - life free from physical stress and closer to heaven.

One Year Later

So here I am - the slow going blogger. I think I have found out I am not very good at blogging and writing about the happenings in my life. However, my life has been everything but boring, so here is a little catch up!

The most exciting part of this last year has been family and the get-togethers we have had; Nugent Kid Reunion, Thanksgiving, trips to Denver to see Ron's Mother, my Disney Birthday that did not happen (:D), Markus' High School Graduation, Finnish Family vacation, being a grandma "Mummi" and so many more fun memories. Thanks to all the great people in our family, I have had one of the best years of my life! And I am not just saying that. And the year is not over yet!

There have been a few difficult things happen to me as well, but they cannot shadow the joy I have felt as I watch our family grow and mature and enjoy each other. My uncle Pentti passed away in August. He was one of the "rocks" in my life and always remembered kids' birthdays and did all he could even with his very minimal income to send a gift or a card. He is in the arms of our Heavenly Father now and I know he is happy to get rid of his ailing body. I will miss that connecting thread to Finland I had through him.

Another bummer experience this last year has been losing our health insurance and having to take on more responsibilities at work. But I still have a job I like for the most part so I cannot complain all that much. Ron and I are most likely the last to "abandon the ship" if things get that difficult at our school.

Hard to believe we are half way through September in 2009. I often wonder what happened to the first nine months of this year! I guess I am older now and I move slower so the rest of the world seems to just fly by. I have worked hard to reclaim my health by losing weight, biking eight miles a day and using the elyptical (?) as often as possible. I even was sucked into trying out "Contour" - an electric
workout belt that works your abs while you do other things like wash the car or read a book or... I will let you know how it ends up working for me. Actually the "shocks" it sends through my abs are mostly annoying so perhaps it will do some good. :D

I look forward to next month. Ron and I will go to two Husker football games in Lincoln, Nebraska and visit Mika, Jessie, Luke and other relatives in Missouri for four days. Can't wait. I think we are due!