Reflection of My Uncle Bryan

One of the fondest memories I have of Uncle Bryan was when I went on a trip to Palm Springs with him, Auntie Terri, Carissa, Cameron, Grandma, and Grandpa. Even though I was younger, I learned a lot about my uncle during that trip. He has a dry sense of humor, he loves golf and tennis, he loves his family, and—like many of us in the Lee and Eng family—he can be quite stubborn. It was because of this stubbornness that we didn’t always have the best relationship and often skewed my perception of him. As I was reflecting on what to write though, I realized Uncle Bryan’s stubbornness was a strength of his at times, especially during his battle with cancer. His stubbornness motivated him to not accept defeat when he was first diagnosed with cancer. His stubbornness allowed him to go on final trips with the family, see Cameron enter nursing school, and see Carissa and Nick get engaged. His stubbornness allowed him to renew his faith in God and cling to Him in one of the most difficult situations a person can face. He consistently said NO to cancer, became a fighter, and remained a fighter until he breathed his last breath. Despite his health, Uncle Bryan always made sure to ask about how my seminary classes and ministry at church was going. Being stubborn myself, I didn’t believe that Uncle Bryan was actually interested in what I had to share, so I always shared briefly. Friends who knew Uncle Bryan would also tell me how proud he was of my accomplishments at church and at the seminary. Since I never heard these words from him, I never knew how genuine these sentiments were…that is until last Thursday when I went to see him for the last time. Right before I left, he worked up the energy to say my name and these four words: “Be proud of yourself.” With those four words, God softened and humbled my stubborn heart by showing me—even as his journey was ending—my Uncle Bryan made sure to encourage me and to implicitly convey that the things I heard and the questions he asked were always genuine. Uncle Bryan’s life and battle with cancer have taught me life is like a vapor and to never take things for granted. His battle with cancer and his journey has also affirmed the truth we find in 1 Peter 5:10. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Although I will miss him, I am glad that he is pain-free and his body has been restored in the presence of our God. Auntie Terri, I know that Uncle Bryan loved you with his heart and would thank you for the sacrifices you made and the ways you cared for him until the end. Carissa, I know that he is proud of the woman you have become and is glad you found someone like Nick to love and care for you. Although he can’t be at your wedding physically, he will be there in spirit and in our hearts. Cameron, I also know that Uncle Bryan is proud of you and appreciated your tender heart and passion to help people. Never lose that passion. For everyone else here, may you cherish the good memories you have of Uncle Bryan and let his life inspire you to do something in yours. Thank you.