Big, Warm Hugs.

We weren’t that close; we’d see each other on Christmas and the occasional birthday celebration or BBQ. But, part of me still expects to see you at those events. Part of me thinks you are going to show up 3 hours late, like always. Once you show up, everyone will know because you are the loudest of all the brothers. I guess being the youngest, of the rowdy bunch, you had to be louder.

I expect you’ll still bombard the family with your flirty smile and “what’s up”, followed by big, warm hugs and two kisses, one on each cheek. Part of me still thinks Jett will get lots of tickles and attention from you this year. I still think you will play tricks on everyone when playing Santa on Christmas. Part of me expects you’re still going to be Santa on Christmas. Part of me still thinks we have memories to be made together.

I’m not sure how I am supposed to feel about you passing away. Part of me is so sad, part of me is just sad for my family members, part of me is angry, part of me is still unsure that it’s true.

I don’t know if I’m taking this so hard because you are most like my dad out of the brothers, if it is because it was so sudden, if it is because your children are still so young or if it is some other reason I’ve not even processed through. I do know that I’m going to miss everything about our holidays and events together. You were my favorite. You were always up for a good, scratch that, a great time. You were loud and unrefined, but you laughed big and loved even bigger.

RIP, Uncle Mooch.

Mooch with his kiddos (Melissa, Jamie and Mikey) and his wife (Rosa).

Uncle Mooch, Uncle Jimmy, Dad, Uncle Bobby