2013 Story of Empowerment Contest Winner
Hughie Matthews
Here is my story of a family member who inspired me:
Just recently we lost my Uncle, Hughie Matthews. Uncle Hughie was more of dad to me than my own father had been. Hughie Matthews was a rugged old cowboy who loved his family very, very much. He really didn't talk to too many folks outside the family. But when he did talk, he usually had something important to say.
Hughie lived alone in a 5th-wheel trailer with his dog, Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe was a shepherd mix. He loved to ride in my uncle's pickup and in the van my uncle sometimes used for work.
Hughie travelled around and stayed in various places. Smokey Joe was right beside him when he went to work or the store or my aunt's house. The two went everywhere together. The day my uncle passed away, Smokey Joe led my Aunt Carol to his body.
When I got the call that Hughie had died, all I could hear was my uncle telling me to make peace with the family. You see, due to a disagreement and misunderstanding, I had stayed away from my relatives for a year. But Uncle Hughie wanted to bring the family together, even in death.
Besides being family oriented, Hughie was full of wisdom and advice. Once, my aunt and I visited him in Montana. We were near the Little Big Horn River, where Custer made his last stand. I was being stubborn, not unlike Custer, and Hughie shared with me, “Little girl, that will get you in trouble.” I was 40 years old at the time, but Uncle Hughie called me "little girl" and reminded me that I still had a thing or two to learn.
Uncle Hughie taught me through his life, and reminded me in his death, to be kind and forgiving and to let go of stubbornness. So although he is gone, my uncle will not be forgotten. I am deeply grateful for the love and wisdom Hughie Matthews shared with me. Knowing him has made me a better person.
by Carrie Lea Matthews © 2013
Just recently we lost my Uncle, Hughie Matthews. Uncle Hughie was more of dad to me than my own father had been. Hughie Matthews was a rugged old cowboy who loved his family very, very much. He really didn't talk to too many folks outside the family. But when he did talk, he usually had something important to say.
Hughie lived alone in a 5th-wheel trailer with his dog, Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe was a shepherd mix. He loved to ride in my uncle's pickup and in the van my uncle sometimes used for work.
Hughie travelled around and stayed in various places. Smokey Joe was right beside him when he went to work or the store or my aunt's house. The two went everywhere together. The day my uncle passed away, Smokey Joe led my Aunt Carol to his body.
When I got the call that Hughie had died, all I could hear was my uncle telling me to make peace with the family. You see, due to a disagreement and misunderstanding, I had stayed away from my relatives for a year. But Uncle Hughie wanted to bring the family together, even in death.
Besides being family oriented, Hughie was full of wisdom and advice. Once, my aunt and I visited him in Montana. We were near the Little Big Horn River, where Custer made his last stand. I was being stubborn, not unlike Custer, and Hughie shared with me, “Little girl, that will get you in trouble.” I was 40 years old at the time, but Uncle Hughie called me "little girl" and reminded me that I still had a thing or two to learn.
Uncle Hughie taught me through his life, and reminded me in his death, to be kind and forgiving and to let go of stubbornness. So although he is gone, my uncle will not be forgotten. I am deeply grateful for the love and wisdom Hughie Matthews shared with me. Knowing him has made me a better person.
by Carrie Lea Matthews © 2013
