Honoring my Uncle Phil

My Uncle Phil was corny but I loved him a lot, he was great. Creatively brilliant and missed his calling to be a stand up comedian. He passed on a couple years ago but today was his birthday. He was talented, a professional interior designer, father of two children who were the loves of his life...in addition to his grand kids. I'm not sure what their issues were but when Uncle Phil passed away, they scooped up his remains, had them immediately flown to New York or New Jersey and had a private funeral with no other relatives invited. Wow. Unbelievable. End of story.. still today its hard to imagine that action and how other relatives wanted to be there at the time his body was laid to rest. I look at that time as a way to connect and celebrate a life; share, remember and support.

One hysterical moment out of too many countless jokes and looks and stories repeated or made up on the spot. This is silly but I have to share it.

Once I was flying home from NYC. Sitting next to him on the plane, he suddenly starts to jiggle up and down. Annoying...and I looked and he was cracking up! So, okay, what so funny? He said "I just made up a joke and it's so hysterical I'm cracking myself up..." as the tears of laughter are streaming down his face.
Now, when that happens, it's hard to keep your composure and not start to crack up without even hearing the joke.. either that or totally get annoyed! Okay, okay..here it is.
He said, "What number are you if you have to pee?"
hummm.. Okay I give up.... .. .
Through his guffawing.. he screeched out..." You're AN EIGHT!"
"Get it? Your-an-8!"

Now, if you don't get it by reading it.. try saying out loud a few times....
Your-an-eight. (for those of you who may still not get it.. urinate!) anyway...silly I know but his delivery of even the smallest stupidest jokes
were priceless.

Okay, Uncle Phil... thanks for the joy, the laughs and love - know you are
not forgotten and that you've touched many hearts and mines and created some of the
most wonderful spaces for people to live in... amazing custom designs.. covered
wagons for children as beds, race car beds, things back in the 70's and 80's that
were so creatively ahead and innovative.. Philip Cohen what a good guy and a great fantastic uncle. in fact we'd call him, Fabulous Phil! Blessings to your soul and say hi to mom and granny!