Mark DePew, Donor Nephew

Gary DeMilde

A special uncle

My Uncle Gary was not only an uncle to me, he was a trusted friend. He was the person I could tell anything. I knew my secrets were safe with him. He was always on my side, even when I was wrong. He was a dignified old-school kind of guy, never complaining, never dwelling on the past. Always generous through good times and bad, never expecting anything in return. To have Uncle Gary on your side was to have a loyal friend for life.

As a kid I always thought he was the coolest guy. I used to think he looked like Elvis. He had a certain charisma about him. He always had stories to tell and could talk for hours about sports, movies or whatever. I will miss talking to him.

In the last year, I have lost several people close to me and have done my share of grieving, but losing Uncle Gary hurt a little more. It cut a little deeper. I had just seen him. He looked so good, considering all he had been through. I talked to him on the phone a couple nights before he died. I guess nobody is ever prepared to lose a loved one. I know I will miss him a lot and think of him often.

His death has made me re-evaluate my life. I will tell the people I love "I love you" more often. I will not hold grudges and dwell on negative events of the past. I will appreciate the company of friends and family more. I will not take any day, any moment, for granted. I am going to be a happier person and try to make the people around me happier. I have also recently made the decision to become an organ donor. It's the least I can do in memory of my uncle. It's nice to know, even in death, my uncle has touched someone else's life. When my time comes, hopefully I can do the same.

My uncle lives now in my heart. I will never forget him. I will make the very best of whatever time I have left here on earth knowing that he wants the ones he loved to be happy. One day there will be no more pain and I'll see him again. But until that time comes, "it is what it is."