The breeze blew from the west.  Sheltered under the evergreens sat three seniors, tissues in hand.  A fresh mound of dirt indicated where Uncle Bill had just been buried two weeks ago.  And now his brother, Uncle Johnny would be laid to rest in the grave right beside him.  The pall bearers carried the casket and carefully set it on the green bands that would be lowered by the funeral directors.
The thirty or so neighbours, friends and family gathered around the Manola Cemetery, in the farmland and bush of rural Alberta.  Uncle Johnny had been born not far from this spot, grew up in Naples area and finished his highschool in Edmonton.  He became an electrician and worked in many places in his lifetime.  He settled back in Manola, collecting records and firearms and nurturing flowers, vegetables and fruit trees.  Never married, he did have one young woman whom he considered his daughter.  She shared a wonderful tribute of memories and gave us all a glimpse of his more caring and compassionate side.
As Walter stood beside the casket, opening his little black "Pastors' Handbook", the reality of his uncle's passing hit him.  The words stuck in his throat.  Apologizing, he pressed on to read the Scriptures and words of comfort..."ashes to ashes, dust to dust..." It is so much more difficult to preside over the funeral of a loved one.  Walter's prayer rose and fell over the sound of the wind in the trees.  The family and friends stood, lost in thought, not eager to leave as the finality of the moment sunk in.
Slowly, the folks walked to their cars, some lingering to read the headstones of other family members who had gone before.  Walter's dad was buried there almost 25 years ago.  Walter's Nickel grandparents were buried before that. 
We drove back through the little town of Manola, locating Uncle Johnny's house and the old church building he used for storage.  Walter and his sister, Karen  reminisced as we made our way back to Barrhead for the memorial service and lunch. 
Through laughter and tears, we shared in the service to remember and celebrate the life of John Nickel, a real character and a brother and uncle who will be sincerely missed.