Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Gratitude Challenge Day 3: My uncles




It's Day 3 in the 2010 Gratitude Challenge. In honor of my uncle's birthday I've decided that he (and his brother) are what I am thankful for today!

Growing up I had the opportunity to have my uncles in the house for many years. I had so much fun with them! Double Uncle Tickles. Nicknames like "Wart." Getting to ride horses when one unnamed uncle dated a lady with several. (I think that might have started my love for them!) Being told of stories such as my uncle "losing" me in the dorm when he just happened to use me as bait for the ladies. Dancing together. Finally some two women came by and stole them! What did they think they were doing... wanting to get married.... didn't they know that they were MY men? ;) Soon their own children followed, and I had to share the limelight. What a way to end a good run. (Kidding!)

My uncles were also there for me during all of times when having an uncle is perfect. Bullies at school. Heartbreak. My first marriage ending in divorce. They were my protectors and even when they were off having their own children all I had to do was to tell them that I wanted to talk. I never doubted their love for me.

I don't get to see them as I would like to these days.

The older of the two travels quite a bit for work. He's spending his birthday halfway around the world with co-workers on a business trip. I remember the conversations that I with him when I was baptized. He shared his faith with me in such a way that I was inspired. He has been my protector in many situations. He's my strong one. And, he also looks like Kenny Rogers (before Kenny's failed attempts at plastic surgery!) which has brought him lots of funny stories. Evidently they love Kenny Rogers in Malaysia. I definitely need to call him more.

The younger of the two is now in heaven after losing his battle with lung cancer earlier this year. He was the one that stayed up late talking to me when I went to college and was afraid. He got me in trouble with jokes that went a little too far. He was just as emotional as I am so he could understand why I was crying when others might not. He could fight with me like no one else. And he made us all laugh. A lot.

My life is changed because of them. I am who God made me to be, but I show evidence of my uncles' influence in every area of my life. I've been uncle-fied. And, I love it!

What (or who) are you thankful for today? Today I'm thankful for my uncles, Don and Roy. I love you guys!



"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10 (NIV)


12 comments:

aspiritofsimplicity said...

What a lovely post. It's nice to see a woman honoring the men in her life.

Just an Average American Mom said...

Thanks for stopping by.

Great post and it is always a great thing to remember the Uncles who often go unspoken as they help shape lives.

Theresa @ Everyday Sacred said...

That is great that you had such great relationships with your uncles.

Thanks for visiting today. If you make some socks and slippers I hope you'll stop back at my blog and let me know so I can come see them. I don't always get to check in daily.

Debbie said...

Stephanie,
Thank you for your comment on my blog. This is my first time visiting yours but I would like to start following it. I was reading
'Stephanie Who?' and had to chuckle when I got to the part that said you,re a wealth of useless trivia - I like that; I can relate. I am looking forward to reading more.

Blessings,
Debbie

Christi said...

What an awesome post. I never had uncles like this, but I sure hope that my kids find that acceptance and love from my brother. I hope they get uncle-fied, I know that because he lived with us for several years, they have a great start.

Have a blessed day,
Christi

Heather said...

oh, you made me cry! I'm so sorry to hear your one uncle passed away. We have a big family and one of my uncles is very special to me also:) I remember a time when he lived with us for awhile. I made him mad by telling his new girlfriend (who came to dinner) that I liked the other one better! I was about 8! lol. Extended family is awesome. Anyway, I enjoyed your blog!

Steph @ Wild Crickets said...

Thanks so much for such sweet comments! It's great to hear that so many understand what an influence uncles (and aunts!) can be. If it takes a village, they were part of mine. I've enjoyed each of your blogs through this challenge, and I can't wait to read more!

Vickie said...

I wish I had uncles like that. How awesome that would be. Hmmm...I'd even take a brother like that. We had a family friend when I was just 12, he called my parents mom and dad and we called him brother. Every time I see Kenny Rogers, I think of Russ whom I haven't seen since I was 13.

Prairiemaid said...

Don and Roy sound more like big brothers, than uncles. It was fun reading about them and I am glad you had them as your confidants growing up.

Blessings,
Cheryl

Dawn said...

Beautiful! How special that the Lord blessed you thru them! Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Catherine said...

I hope your uncle had a great birthday! I had an aunt who lived with us while I was growing up. She was like a great big sister. I'm sorry to read about your other uncle, but how blessed you were to have these wonderful men in your life!

Jodi said...

Your uncles sound fantastic, I'm sure you miss the one that passed away very much. Thanks for stopping by Green Acres to comment! Looking forward to reading more of your blog!