Dear Future Clark,
Hiya buddy. I know you don't remember your Uncle Scott. Rest assured, he loved the heck outta you. It's unfortunate to state that you only got to experience him a handful of times. Each time, he scooped himself up a handful of you. As I write this, we're on day two of his wake visitation. Tomorrow we bury him next to your Pappy.
Scott was 47 years young. He died of stroke complications just a few days ago. It is a very sad time right now. Your poor mama lost her Daddy (your Pappy) four short years ago and now, unexpectedly, her big brother. Scott's kids, your cousins, Bailey, Connor, and Emma, I'm SURE regaled you with many stories and anecdotes of their Dad. Comprised with tales you've no doubt heard from your Nana, your Mom, and myself, you should already have a good sense of how amazing and important Scott was in our lives.
That above pic was your first trip to Disneyland. You know what, I'm pretty sure it was Scott's too (he didn't want to wear the button). So there you both are, sharing a first. He we all are, sharing a last.
Scott was pretty torn up when you were born. See, he didn't really have the gift of foresight that your momma and I had with your situation. We never heard from him while you were in the NICU. He just couldn't bring himself to form the words. He was devastated. He thought about you every day though. He kept you in his prayers. He sent his own version of Heartbeams. So proud, so happy, so in love with you was he when he finally got to scoop you up in his arms.
As I'm sure you are now aware, your Daddy ain't really a...well, a rough in tough man. A football watchin, chaw-chewin', Bud drinkin', poker playin', gone fishin' man! I was kinda hopin' Scott would introduce you to all that for me ('cept for the chaw...eecch). Hopefully, I did my best at giving you a taste (again....not the chaw...you know what I mean).
BUT Scott did dig himself some "Family Guy" (probably still on the air), Golf, Bill Murray (Wiki him), Monty Python (I should still have the complete set somewhere), and though a small town boy, had a big taste for life.
Today, as you read this, know your Uncle Scott is up there in the ether, somewhere, with your Pappy, and they really enjoyed watching you grow up.
Love ya,
Daddy
