My feet dragged me to the other side of the room, where he was laying and I could see him better. He couldn't find even enough energy to raise his head, but as I approached, he blinked his eyes to let me know that he knew I was there.

I picked up his fragile hand in mine, as tears began streaming down my pale face. I could feel the rough skin of his hands against my soft palm. This man had worked

so hard his entire life. Every single scar or callus had a reason for being there.

I wasn't sure why at the time, but at that moment I felt relieved. I now realize that I was relieved to finally have a reason to leave. I couldn't deal with all of the pain that I was feeling. I was only eleven years old and this had been my first real look at the real world. I know, know that life isn't the wonderland that I had imagined. It is full of heartbreak and tragedies, which help to make the good times that much sweeter.

I couldn't do it. Saying goodbye meant that it was over. There would be no more helping him in the barn, no more popcicles together on hot days, no more bear hugs, and no more him.

After what seemed like hours, my mother came slowly into the room. She came to my side and gently laid her hand on my shoulder. "Its time to say goodbye. Your Uncle Da

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Uncle Dave,
Approximate Word count = 592
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)