I'm sure I have shared with you before that I was never blessed with the title of “father” (not to my knowledge, anyway – that's a standard humorous answer I often give whenever someone asks if I have any kids). For a little while, that bothered me a bit. But at this stage of life, I have long since gotten over whatever disappointment that may be. I have made my peace with the fact that the Good Lord above, in His infinite wisdom, decided the universe would be much better served with me being a mere “uncle” than to entrust me with a moniker as important as “father.” So, since the age of about 11 or 12, I have been “Uncle Rickey.” At first, that title felt a little odd. I didn't feel old enough to be an “uncle” in the stereotypical sense of the word I had in my mind. For several years, I felt as if I was more of a “big brother” to my nephews than I was an “uncle.” I don't think I really began to fill the traditional “Uncle” role until my oldest nephew had a little girl.
Of course, I was a bit older when Abby, my oldest nephew's daughter, came along. That's when it became clear to me that being “Uncle Rickey” can be kinda fun. I could have a good time and enjoy watching her grow without all the downside of being a disciplinarian. It was like I could have fun hunting Easter eggs or going fishing, then give the kid back at the end of the day.
I have had the opportunity to be a sort of “figurative” uncle as well. When a couple of close friends of mine had a son, he sort of grew up calling me “Uncle Rickey.” I remember one day Lucas was going to be spending the day at Wild Adventures Theme Park with his summer day camp group. I was free that day, so I made arrangements with the camp adults to meet them at the park. I'm sure they probably appreciated another set of adult “eyes” watching the kids. We had a great day, riding rides and playing in the water park. Lucas and I rode down one particular water slide that culminated in being dumped into a large circular structure in which one would go 'round and 'round as one would make their way through a hole at the bottom. The entire action easily reminded one of a giant toilet bowl. After Lucas and I were “flushed” through the ride, I turned to him and verified what he was probably already thinking, but thought he had to be too polite to say. “Well,” I said. “Now I know how a piece of doo-doo feels.” This youngster laughed so hard I thought he would hurt himself. Uncles can get away with saying things like that to boys. Lucas is bigger now. He plays football for his high school out in California where he and his family now live. I'm as proud of him as I would be if he were “really” a nephew.
This past week, I became “Uncle Rickey” again. Abby had her second child: a beautiful little boy named “Benji.” He made his anticipated arrival into this big world on Saturday, March 27, at around 11:30 p.m. He weighed in at six pounds and some change. I'm looking forward to some fun times with Benji. We might even go to Wild Adventures one day and slide down that “toilet bowl” water slide. He might even laugh at “knowing how a piece of doo-doo feels.” That's what uncles are for!