Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures out there! I am fortunate to have several wonderful uncles in my life. My uncles have always been there for me. Growing up, I loved playing with my uncles. One of my favorite home videos was taken in 2002. I’m enjoying an afternoon sledding with my uncle. I had lots of fun that day.
Many of my fondest memories involve my uncles. They’ve all been there for me since I was born. They are some of the most loving people I’ve ever met. They have seen me through good and bad times. My uncles are also some of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
Family gatherings are never boring when my uncles are around. My uncles were among my first entertainers. I always enjoy listening to their stories about their lives. I know they are always there with a funny story or two when I talk to them. I still remember when my uncle took my sister and me to Friendly’s, trying to persuade us to get purple cow ice cream since we were all wearing purple shirts that day.
My uncles are always there to offer advice too. I know that I can always count on them. They’ve helped me figure out what kind of career I’d like to pursue and provided many suggestions on living in my own apartment for the first time. They’ve helped me figure out what TV shows to watch, and what new books to read. I enjoy hearing about family history too. My uncles and aunts have been researching ancestry lately. I always enjoy seeing them, and getting some wonderful hugs.
I consider myself very lucky to have my uncles in my life. I’ll be forever grateful for the love, time, humor, and support all my uncles have shared with me. Those are gifts money can’t buy. As Irene Banks said, “an uncle is a blessing. It means so many things. Words could never tell the joy an uncle brings. An uncle is a bond of faith that even time can’t sever, a gift to last all of our lives. An uncle is forever”.