My uncle, Scott McDonald, passed away on June 1. Over the past couple of years he had been battling thymoma, a devestating cancer. It proved to be too much.
As I sat during his funeral service trying to keep my kids quiet, I couldn't help but think of all the wonderful memories I have of Uncle Scott. I also kind of think he would have loved that all 6 of my kids (with a couple of cousins thrown in) were there - third row center - doing word searches, etc. at his service. He was such a significant part of so many peoples' lives; we could have had an open mic night and have been entertained for hours. All the speakers did great, and I admire my cousins for being able to share with us their thoughts.
In memory of this great man, I would like to share some of my own observations and thoughts:
- My mom has 2 brothers and 1 sister. Joan and Brent - the bookends - are the good ones. Loving, sweet, the nicest people you'll ever meet. My mom and Scott are the troublemakers. This is not to say that Joan and Brent don't have a mischeivous side, they are Del McDonald's kids, but they have those tendencies to a much lesser degree than Carol and Scott. Growing up in this family has made me aware of this fact. I spent countless family activities trying to read spoons or reciting something about "My Aunt Fanny." Scott and my mom were usually the ring leaders. I loved travelling up to Utah to spend time with the family. Seeing my uncle was always a big highlight of those trips.
- Jokes. My Uncle Scott loved jokes. I remember that as a kid, he always had a new joke for me. I'd also try and learn jokes so that I could tell one to him when I saw him.
- Sports. At the funeral, Scott's love of sports was mentioned several times. This impacted lots of the family activities we'd have. Thanksgiving just wasn't Thanksgiving without a large basketball or volleyball game. As my brothers and I got older, we'd play and usually lose to Scott and Brent. It didn't matter that we were younger or maybe a little quicker because they knew the game and most of the time did not miss a jumpshot. Even when I was very young, I would practice dribbling and handling the ball to try and impress my uncle.
- My mom making Scott kiss her big toe so that she would give him a diet Pepsi.
- Crab legs at the Frontier buffet on Friday nights.
- Spending my first Christmas home after my mission with Scott and family. I was attending BYU and because of work, was unable to make it to Las Vegas for Christmas. To make sure I was with family on Christmas, Scott and family invited me to spend it with them.
I am eternally grateful for the family I have been blessed with. I am especially grateful for a great uncle that shared with me so much of what it means to live this life to the fullest and in accordance with those things that bring true joy. I love you Uncle Scott and I miss you.
