Sunday, February 10, 2019
My Uncle “Jeebs” is gone! I can’t begin to tell you the hurt I’m feeling today. I remember, like it was yesterday, the Sunday visits to at 2200 East 22nd St, with grandma, Harry (then Gus). All my uncles; Seby, Tony, “Jocko”, would be there, and along with my father, helping grandma fix the house (that never got done, by the way). Then when they were done for the day, or taking a break, “Jeebs” and Jocko would take me out for a ride, in “Jeebs’s” convertible thunderbird. He would let me sit on the extended bumper and drive me around the block, while I hung on for dear life. I remember the jokes they played on each other and the kids, especially me, because I was the oldest. I remember working with “Jeebs” and Jocko, doing landscaping and construction! They both gave me my first real jobs, and taught me a lot about work and “Life”. My uncle Tony ("Jeebs") gave me one of his silver Golden Gloves pendants, and I remember how proud I was, you were my uncle. You taught me how to fight and defend myself, and believe me, it came in handy many times. I remember how all my uncles would come and get my father, after his injury, and carry him in and out of their cars, to see grandma, on Sundays, or go somewhere. I also remember the whole you punched in the bathroom wall, at the funeral home, because you couldn’t believe your oldest brother was gone, at such an early age. They loved each other, and would do anything for each other and their sisters. I remember every one of their laughs, because I can still hear them now. The last of the Franco men is gone, and the only Silver-Lining in this is; they’re all together again, with each other, and all our family members who have gone before us! They’re laughing, and carrying on, and of course laughing together. With a heavy heart I say the words, a Franco never says, while they are alive together; “Good Bye” …God Bless you, thank you for everything, and say hi to my father, and all the members of our family that are gone, but not forgotten! I love and will miss you, till we all meet again…RIP Uncle Tony
