On May 8th my Uncle Mike died. He was a man I had a bond with, that for me was deep, abiding and strong. He taught me so much, but mostly how to give of myself or serve others with a joyful heart. It is still too raw for me to write much, so I will borrow from my cousin Mike Bess, (known in the family as lil Mike, because his son is young Mike--we have lots of Mikes in our family)who writes eloquently what I am feeling. I wish all of you could have known the great man my Uncle Mike was--for me he lives on, and the best way to honor his memory is to pass on his stories and his love.
 |
| Uncle Mike--always a smile! |
Dearest all... the final sitrep from the Pacific.
Of all the finest men, ...the finest father, the finest grandfather, the finest friend, the finest husband, the finest companion, the finest person,... he made the list. Chief Michael R. McComb. For me, my Dad. To you, your loved one. Our so very much loved one. The man who took me under his caring kindness from the days of my youth until the day of his final sail of the Pacific he loved; who taught me directly over and again what charity means by his example. He loved me, he loved us, with the deepest kindest love. Such a heart, such a tremendous heart.
I have considered over the years what I would be, what I would not have now were it not for him. So much...I would not have my wife, my children, grandchildren; for it was by him I crossed the globe to the Islands of the Philippines where I met my future wife. It was by him that my mother was convinced to let him and I bring her to the states for me to marry even though I was still young. If there was ever a question of any kind about life matters, he was there. He has always been there. Always.
It is written that Charity never faileth, and indeed, his never did. Neither failed his love. His love of family and friends. Oh how he loved us, and us him! Please consider him now... and all the wonderful reasons you love him; for he surely loved you. And yes, he still does. My faith is that he lives now on the other side of the veil and I know I will see him again and I so, ...so very much already, ...long for that day. What joy I will have again then, to see that ever smiling face and feel that so loving embrace... of my Dad. It is my faith that you too shall see him again. Remember him throughout your lives now in the best way; be as loving and charitable to all.
Collect your pictures, your memories, your stories. Tell them to your children and your children's children.
May we never forget this sailor... Chief Michael R. McComb
He sails ahead of us and no doubt will be working some way of preparing and arranging great things for us. You know he will. He always did.
Carry on Chief, carry on McComb, carry on Dad, carry on Gpa, carry on GGpa, carry on dear brother, carry on dear beloved of us all who remain...With tears, and smiles and hearts overwhelmed with love for you,.. as you did with us,... we bid you Adieu
Michael R. McComb January 15, 1946 - May 8, 2011.
May the wind always be at your back and may you have following seas
Adieu
 |
| Uncle Mike |
 |
| Uncle Mike and Aunt Jeannine |
