Dear Uncle James
Well, it's been 20 years now since your crash. I've had a copy of this letter, or something approximating it on my computer for the last 10 years.

Firstly, to help you catch up. If you don't know, you had a girl called Samantha. She was a beautiful baby, and has grown into a beautiful, intelligent and incredibly mischevous young lady. I wonder where she got THAT from! Luckily she didn't inherit your bushy moustache or lack of hair. Alison remarried 10 years ago now. She met a man called John, and they have a little lad called James, after you. John loves them all so much, and I know will take good care of them.

I'm now grown up (well, sort of!) and in a proper job as a paramedic. I love it. I'm married to a great guy called Mike, and we've even managed to bring Mum round into accepting him....I know, surprise of the century.

I can say without candour or guilt that you were always my favourite uncle. You made a little boy feel extremely special without spoiling me, and never humilitated or patronised me. You and I had a special friendship (*authors note: not in that way you sick fucks*) and it meant a lot to me to know that my amazing, high flying, big earning uncle had time for a snot-nosed little bugger like me, which is why I wanted you to be my Godfather.

To lay my soul bare, I didn't cry when you died. Not initially. I was old enough to understand, but I do not think I was old enough to empathise fully. I was shocked, yes. It was only in later times that I have cried for your death and raged against its unfairness. Like it's going to help! Trying to find meaning from such a meaningless death is like trying to untangle a ball of wool. It took me so long to work out that there was no meaning, but there were good lessons to have learned from it. Lawss have been changed, and made, following your death. I have grown stronger and, although not immediately, I have learned better how to deal with grief and bereavement. It has helped me empathise with those who have lost their own loved ones. Was it your time? No. Was it fair? No. But it still happened.

I sincerely hope and pray that one day, we meet again. Until that day, you will always have my sincerest and deepest love and respect.

Love,

Dave
( Undercovercarrot got done for gross misconduct on..., Mon 8 Mar 2010, 12:20, Reply)