Ashes

I grew up craning my neck to the photo-filled mantle above me to find this artifact of my Father (R) and my uncle (L) when they were approximately 3 and 2 years old, respectively. Following my uncle’s terminal battle with cancer in 2012, I knew what I had to do for my father in his time of grief.

I don’t remember precisely the eulogy I gave for my uncle the day of his funeral. I know it was of profound importance for my father that my younger brother and I (who are Also roughly a year apart in age) got along. For the two of us to fight was the highest offense in our household. I’d like to think that really spoke to how much my dad loved my uncle.

My uncle, Ricky (No Middle Name) Thomas, died Nov 5, 2012. His Birthday is celebrated on December 25th. Following the funeral, I barricaded myself in my studio for weeks and completed it just in time to present my father for Christmas.