Life can be so difficult at times, so unimaginable. My Uncle Gene passed away unexpectedly early last Friday morning from a 4-wheeler accident. He was only 37 years young and he was one of those people that if you met him one time you would never forget him. "Gener Beaner" as we affectionately call him, lived and loved life on the edge because that was the only way he knew how. He was the poster child for ADHD! lol That boy was crazy - he was an adrenaline junky! We all loved Gene and though at times we didn't always know where he was or what he was doing - we know exactly where he's at now. Gene loved his family and his friends with all that he had. His two kiddos were his world. And as mad as he would get at you, he would always come back and tell you that he loved you. Gene fought an addiction for as long as I can remember. He reached out to God many times and he knew when he needed God the most - he knew where to go and didn't want anyone with him. He would say that was his "God time." Just by himself. I even heard of him walking to the church in the rain by himself because he needed God at that very moment in time. And the church was where he felt the closest.
When Austin was diagnosed in January 2003, Uncle Gene was in jail. He was in solitary confinement and he wrote Austin a letter. (Austin received the letter in February 2003.) He had only met and talked with Austin a total of about 2 or 3 times since Austin and I had been together, but obviously Austin made an impact on Gene for some reason or another. Shane, at the time Austin got the letter from Gene, was 17 months old, yet Gene refers to Shane as "the baby" and if it' a boy . . . . and if it's a girl. . . . .Gene had been lost in his own world - in Gene's world - that he didn't realize "the baby" was already born, was a boy, and was 17 months old.
I had forgotten about this letter and pulled it out of the drawer Saturday morning. I sat in the floor while the boys were still sleeping and read the letter and I sat there just sobbing. I had forgotten what that letter said. How unselfish that letter was and how I wish I knew more of that person and that side of Gene. I took it to my Grandma's house and shared the letter with the family and Grandma asked Austin if it was okay if the letter was read at Gene's service. Austin was honored to have it read. I asked Austin if he remembered what the letter had said and he said he did a little, but I knew he really didn't. So, when the letter was being read at the service, it was as if Austin was hearing it for the first time. It was really hard for him and he sobbed hard - harder than I have seen him cry in a long while. I think that letter was good for us. It allowed us to see a side of Gener Beaner that we didn't get to see very often. We saw a side of Gene that loves his family and kids and the Lord! Here is Gene's letter to Austin . . . . it's long but well worth the reading . . . .
Austin,
Hey Bro, I wanted to say congratulations to you and my favorite niece. I am so happy for the two of you. Those babies of mine bring Jess and I such great happiness and joy. Not to mention a few grey hairs. (His wife at the time, now x-wife, is named Jessica) I know yalls will have the same effects. They are a hoot. Not to change the feeling or anything, but our people bring me concerning news about you and your health. I am deeply concerned for not only you, but for Jessica and the baby's well being. I know Jess must be stressing. It's important that she remain calm and have faith. I have extraordinary and positive faith in the Lord above. He has pulled me through situations concerning death more than once. He has also spared my life through faith and faith alone and this is the honest to God truth. Our God is a loving and merciful God. I have prayed in the name of Jesus Christ that some years be subtracted from my life and granted to yours, and I know it's already done, it says it in the word that two or more gathered in his name it shall be done. All through the Bible Jesus healed people. In Luke 18:35-43 read it, the Blind Beggar receives his sight. Jesus said to him, " Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you." I tell you people are healed on faith and faith alone. Do not doubt this, Austin, I have personally experienced the power of faith and prayer. The years that will be subtracted from me and granted to you are very important and precious. They say that a child learns the most in the first 3 years. I want you to have this time to plant the precious seed in your child. You are like the farmer that plants the seed. If his seed fall on good soil, they will grow up and produce a crop 30, 60, or even 100 times more than the farmer planted. It is important for you to plant that seed in the baby. This seed is God's message. The message is planted, the baby hears the message, and finally the baby receives it with joy in time. I tell you it is important from birth till you can't drill it in them anymore. Once that seed is planted, when satan comes to tempt, he can't take the message that was planted in good soil. The roots are to deep. I know it is very important to reproduce, that is our mission here, to reproduce. It is our responsibility to lead our children to the kingdom of heaven. Everything in God's world happen for a reason, nothing happens by mistake. We are all exactly where we are supposed to be at this point in time. God is handling all of our affairs today and he don't need any help. That's why we have faith. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain. I have and still do have a habbit of taking things for granted in this ole life I live. So, I haven't really got to spend the quality time with you and the boys together that I would have loved to. But the few times that I have had the priveledge of conversating with you, I thouroughly enjoyed. It is very unusual for someones conversation to keep me interested because most people just bore the hell out of me, with their useless talk. If I'm going to spend my valuable time listening to someone, I had better gain some sort of knowledge. I'm always just waiting for someone to just tell me something I don't know, instead of running over the same old grounds. I remember my conversations with you just like they were yesterday. You kept my attention. One time was at Dention Regional, ICU waiting room after Grandpa D.E.'s quadruple bipass. You, Tim and I were talking about telephone wire in highrise buildings. Also about you installing some at my mothers house. Another time, you and Jess came to see Grandma Wanda. You and I stood in front of the house talking about my truck and motors. Before you left we were talking about you selling your SUV, if I'm not mistaken it was the explorer. It's a shame how people take things for granted. People don't know what they got till it's gone. I unfortunately just happen to be one of those people on a part time basis. Usually at the wrong times. Time definately ain't on my side. I have been sorry for quiet a few things, after it was to late to make them right. Thats why it is so important to do your best and be on your best behaviors at all times. Everything you do and say reflect onto the children and people of the world. It is important that we reflect a positive. I am in a place that permits no freedom or mercy. I don't expect it from man, but I know God is all merciful and will grant my freedom in due time. Right now, I am in solitary confinement, so I can't receive visits. I will have Grandma Wanda contact you when they put me back into population. I have no doubt that the Lord is going to grant you more time than the doctors diagnosed, and that he will permit me to make up lost time with you and Jess. I'm looking forward to seeing you in the near future. No matter what happens, I want to reassure you that baby will never do without or miss out on lifes great adventures and experiences. Remeber this and it will make you smile. Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. If it's a boy no matter how long or short your days on this earth are, he will always be the son of the greatest and very special man that a boy could ever have. If he has at least half of your wisdom and qualities, I'm sure he will be a perfect gentleman. Now if it just by some unheard of odds happens to be a girl, (ha ha), and your wondering what kind of qualities she will have! Every morning when the sun rises, and your eyes open to another glorious day. Look to the side of you at the most charming and beautiful wife that a man could ever ask for, and hey, NUFF SAID. I love and miss yall very, very much. And once again I am so happy and proud of you both. Congratulations on adding another limb to the family tree. My words can express how happy I am for yall. May God bless the three of you.
Love,
Uncle
Gener Beaner
P.S. Austin, Read
Luke 7:1-10
Luke 5:17-26
There are many more, but these are a few that I found for you. Love ya Bro.
Please excuse my penmanship.
I love you too Jess, if you are feeling a little left out. It goes without saying for you, but it's always great to hear.
