golddust, what a fantastic story. You've had some rough spots in your life, but sounds like you received enough loving support to make them strengthening ones. Thanks for letting us in on your wonderful uncle. I have a theory that it isn't the big gestures that make the best impact on the world, but little kindnesses and quiet expressions of affection done over the years that add up. Your uncle is proof of that.

I posted about this on the Paper Arts and Computer Crafts Forums. My Santa Family Christmas Card for 2002 Image link:

Very good advice! Last summer I worked at computer for hours listing our collections, tools, etc. and approx. worth at that time in case anything happened to us. My DH has collected model cars for years so we gave him name of trusted relative to advise him on value. (This person has much larger collection & could afford to buy them all. Made detailed list of things each kid loved & had been promised. (One child had always been fascinated with bookkeeping ledgers used in my parents business in the early 40's- the others cared nothing about them.) Also listed things we wanted dear friends to have...like fabric for a quilter, craft supplies to another, etc. Attorney said his fee would run higher if we listed all in our Will, but if I typed them all he would sipmly add the list as a codicil to the Will. I was so determined to finish it all my DG thought I was ill or something. It was simply something I felt compelled to do, and am so glad it's done! Suzi

#1 Dreaming of a white Christmas #2 Joy to the world #3 Away in a manger #4 We three kings #5 Deck the halls #6 Jingle bells #7 Noel #8 Walking in a winter wonderland #9 Go tell it on the mountain #10 I saw mommy kissing Santa Claus #11 Hark the herald angels? #12 Dashing through the snow #13 #14 #15 #16 O holy night #17 O little town of Bethehem #18 #19 Silent night #20 #21 O Christmas tree #22 Chestnuts roasting on an open fire #23 O come all ye faithful #24