RIP Tom Kohl

Uncle Tom died last Monday morning March 14th. He had lots of health problems for many years, so for him there is relief, for his family - sadness. Here are some things I learned this week about my family this weekend. Uncle Tom received 4 purple hearts during WWII. He was a paratrooper in the South Pacific, accomplished 85 jumps.
Friday night the priest spoke of Tom's service, and encouraged us to perform 1 act of courage this weekend, as Tom displayed courage throughout his life. Aunt Louise met Uncle Tom in Japan, after the war. Apparently the government was looking for American workers to go overseas to Germany and Japan after the war. Aunt Louise lived in Japan for a year. She and Uncle Tom kept in touch after they both returned from overseas - he was from Pennsylvania. They were married 3 years later.
On a lighter note, I learned something about my cousin. My cousin Casey is the middle son, and we called called him Casey, and I spelled it mentally Casey. I asked him Friday night where the Casey came from. He said "my name - Kevin Charles". Oh, KC not Casey. Duh.
My cousin Johnny is also a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, as Uncle Tom was. He was asked to speak at the funeral Mass, about Uncle Tom. He did a fabulous job, and I complimented him at the lunch reception after the funeral. He said it was a total surprise, that Father asked him to do it right before the service. I told him he could certainly put a check in the act of courage box.
My cousins Andrea and Sharon were there, and we became part of a "cousins" family picture. It was fun, and just reinforces the family bond. I haven't seen my cousins Tommy, KC, and Johnny in many years - more than 10. But they are family, and it felt comfortable, and well wonderful. Family.
Rest In Peace Uncle Tom. You were married to Aunt Louise 61 years, left 3 good sons, and many grandchildren. You are well loved. It was time for you to go Home.