Uncle Jim

To know my Uncle Jim was to love him. When I think of him, I think of two things that I could always see in his eyes: his love for and pride in his family -- wife, children and grandchildren; and his (sometimes ornery) sense of humor, accompanied by his smile and chuckle of amusement. When he would call, I was always amused at how he began. Even before caller ID existed to give him away, I would recognize his voice anyway; nevertheless, he always started out with, "Kelly?" [Yes, I'd say] And then, declaratively, "Jim Wiegert."

My husband quickly came to love and respect Uncle Jim, and their mutual love for sports (K-State for Uncle Jim and Alabama for Ben) made them fast friends. Uncle Jim would call Ben on the big 'Bama game days, and Ben would call Uncle Jim on the big K-State game days. Now, during every K-State and 'Bama game that he watches, Ben starts many sentences with, "I bet Uncle Jim is thinking...."

Only through history lessons and Hollywood depictions can I begin to imagine Uncle Jim's experiences in Vietnam. I believe I only asked him once about his job in the Army, and I could easily see in his eyes that there was "more there" than his benign description of his specific duties. His framed print of Lee Teter's "Reflections" hangs prominently in his home, a clear expression of his family's pride in -- and his personal memories of -- his service. As adults, his children had honored him and his service with this beautiful gift.

It is hard to comprehend that Uncle Jim lived over forty normal years after his military service before becoming a casualty of the Vietnam war. In addition to raising a beautiful family with his lovely wife, I am sure his sincere, easygoing nature touched many other lives during that time.

I pray not only for a cure for ALS, but also for development of and widespread, unfettered access to devices allowing ALS patients to continue to communicate throughout their illness.

I pray for all past, current, and future United States service men and women.

And I pray for God's comfort, peace, and healing for my mother (Jim's sister Jerilyn), Aunt Cheryl, Jamie; Holly, Neil & family; and Sarah & Mike; and all others who knew and loved Jim Wiegert.