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The Kitchen Table

Just had to share this

18 years ago

This may be a bit long, so hope no one minds.

While my nieces (3) and nephews (5) were growing up, I was in the military and spent a lot of time either overseas or in other states. I was able to make it home at least 3 to 4 times a year. Whenever I went overseas, I always bought some special item from that country just for them. I always tried to take them somewhere special whenever I was home and they seemed to enjoy that.

The last few years, I have become a confident to 2 nephews and one niece. I'm not complaining about that at all. In fact, I'm flattered. The two nephews have always had a good relationship with their parents, while my niece has very little to do with her parents. In fact, at her wedding (3rd, but hey) I walked her down the aisle as her father was "too busy" with the company his wife was running.

I find it heartwarming that the kids are calling me often and spend time chatting with me. Each time they do they always mention my being one of their favorite uncles. I've been told that I've been a big influence in the life of my one nephew and how he could always count on me if he needed someone to talk to, but felt he couldn't with his parents.

At my second great-nephew's wedding (his mother is oldest niece), his uncle, my nephew, and I reconnected as well as his son, my great-nephew. I get emails from them weekly bringing me up to date on their activities and how life is going for them.

I find it so very comforting to know how much they think of me and want to make sure they stay in my life. I did the same thing with two of my aunts as well as my godmother.

It's things like this that make me feel even more appreciative of my life.

Just thought I'd share this.

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Comments (8)

Linda Wayman
18 years ago
Steve, those are the things that matter the most. The feelings and respect they have for you didn't just happen. They were earned by your caring ways and you deserve the love and respect they show you. They are blessed to have an uncle such as yourself.

I have a special aunt in my life too. She is the youngest of my dad's siblings and was around more when I was young. When I was a teenager she bought me things that a young girl likes to have to feel pretty as my family didn't have the money. She has been supportive emotionally as well. I love her so much and think so highly of her. It's a little early now to be calling anyone, but I think I will give her a call today, just because.

Linda
ivamae
18 years ago
What a wonderful story.

We never know just what influence we have on someone, be it good or bad.

It is wonderful that you realize just how much good you did and problably you never realized it at the time.
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evatx
18 years ago
Thanks for the great story. I have a very big family and am close to most of my 26 nieces and nephews. They're all adults and most are now grandparents. It is special to be such an influence as you are in some of their lifes.
curlysue
18 years ago
Thanks for sharing, Steve. They say it takes a village, and it truly does. You are part of the village that will help shape their lives. You can never have too many people who care about you. I think of myself as a good mother, but I didn't do it alone, my kids have been influenced by lots of caring aunts, uncles, grandparents, family, friends and teachers.

I'm proud of you Steve.
socks
18 years ago
That's great, Steve. I suspect you are a good listener and understand that sometimes when your family members come to you they just want to share, not necessarily be judged or be told what to do or what they did wrong. You have an emotional distance from them that their parents don't have, and that is helpful.
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
18 years ago
I feel very blessed having just had lunch yesterday with 3 of my favorite people...all related. My DD, My Cousin and her DD. We shared so much about our inherited traits and habits. It was like a counciling session.

Feeling blessed, I dropped by to visit my Mom at the Nursing Home.

I no sooner get home than I got a call from the Cousin who wanted me to go to Cancun last July 4th. (Remember I didn't have a Passport.) We talked for an hour.

Boy, I thought it doesn't get any better than this. I'm really blessed.

Gayle
secsteve
Original Author
18 years ago
To top this story off, I just found out I'm having my first great-great nephew in November!

Amazing how quickly the family has grown since I never had kids nor did my sister. Just the two brothers and their kids.
hounds_x_two
18 years ago
Such a nice story.
Thank you for sharing, and more importantly, thank you for being a presence and an influence in their lives.

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