I am home from the wars. Not really, I am back home in Houston having returned from my Aunt's funeral. It was weird. Something has happened since the last time we were all together. Everyone got old. I am not one of the kids any longer. I am now one of the "Uncles". Cousins really but we always call our cousins kids nieces and nephews. My aunts and uncles are the grandparents now.

It was great seeing all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and their families. Us kids always had a great time together.

I realized something though. I want each and every one of you to listen to what I have to say. My aunt Helen and uncle Jake were married for 46 years. He said something when they closed her casket and had remembrances that shook me to the core. He said, and I paraphrase, I wish I had it recorded, "Mommy and I were married 46 years and I want to tell you men something, whether you are single or married, I loved, kissed and hugged her all the time and I thought it was enough.It is never enough. Never let a time go by without telling them how much you love them. Because you never know when you may never get that chance again."

My uncle Jake is not an eloquent man. He is as country as you can get. He is 84 years old and still works his cows. His face is rugged and lined from too many days in the wind and sun. His nose his prominent from the Czech genetics and all of the beer he drank. But yesterday, when they closed my aunts casket and he stood up, he put Shakespeare to shame.

I could love like that. Maybe. I know that while I am spending my time chasing guys and making money, all of those moments that Jake held so dear are slipping away.

Love Hard!