My sister’s children are adults now, but they still affectionately refer to me as “Uncle Buck.” There was always great excitement in the air when it was announced at Kim and Rocky’s home in Lubbock that Uncle Buck was coming to see them. I was of course always impersonating some unsuspecting member of our extended family, or just generally harassing my niece and nephew. In the back of my mind however, there were more serious thoughts to be entertained. Kim and I lost our parents at a relatively young age. Periodically I would remind myself internally that I could have custody of Kerri and Cody, if anything ever happened to their parents.

Ironically it was during a trip back from Lubbock last week when I received news that an entire family from Granbury was killed in a plane crash in Ruidoso, NM. The parents of two teenage boys were killed as well. That good family is also from Granbury. Their mother was a teacher at the campus where my youngest son attended intermediate school several years ago. I felt so helpless being out of town that afternoon.

Bill Suter, who is one of the coordinators of our 30 year high school reunion, called me a day after the crash. He informed me that the sister of one of the victims graduated from Monterey High School with us in 1980. I got a sick feeling. I immediately felt compelled to reach out to her. Because… she is a classmate… We grew up in the same town. There is just an automatic connection.

The surviving boys I mentioned are: Alex and Kristopher Richey. Their parents were: Keri and Lowell Richey. Their aunt is: Renee (Parramore) Adams. The boys are continuing to recuperate from their injuries in the hospital. There is of course tremendous concern for them. Granbury is FANTASTIC about reaching out to families during times of crisis. What a blessing to be a part of such a caring community. My thoughts are with the boys too, but again I am also thinking about their aunt.

Their Aunt Reneé has stepped up to the plate. She has been right by the side of those boys throughout this traumatic experience. She is in the process of modeling to all of us what being family is all about. Taking care of my niece and nephew crossed my mind periodically, when they were younger. But it never went any further.  Renee’s loyatly to her nephews is being played out right now.  I am for Reneé. I think she is an amazing lady, who loves her family.

I am quite sure that her life has been put on hold in order to see to their needs. At this point, It it is too early to tell what the Granbury community can do on her behalf, but I hope whatever we do that we do it well. We must show her what being community is all about in the same way that she is showing the boys what being family is all about. May God bless her during these upcoming weeks.

We are going to honor classmates who have passed away during our upcoming 30 year reunion next month. I am thankful that choice was made. It will be meaningful. In my mind, I wish we could honor the true heroes in our graduating class. Reneé has my vote.

Uncle Buck is looking forward to another trip to Lubbock for the reunion. I hope to see both Kerri and Cody. I have a feeling that the time with them in July will be cherished in a way that tt has never been before. Family is just important…