An Uncle is a man that can always make you smile or laugh.
He is always willing to lend a hand when help is needed.
After moving away from all of your extended family in small town USA in Maryland to the burbs of Chicago, an Uncle is the one who takes his family on a 13+ hour road trip to visit your family’s new home for Thanksgiving. This begins a new tradition between the families… when someone moves, the two families have the first Thanksgiving together at the new home.
An Uncle along with your Father that forgets to open the fireplace damper and turns on the whole house fan… and begins to smoke out the entire house… on Thanksgiving.
An Uncle is a man that has you hunting down firewood in the back yard of his new home at Thanksgiving … all while he knows he has a gas fireplace… and sends you out twice… all for a good laugh.
An Uncle is one of the first people to call and offer help when your mom is diagnosed with cancer.
An Uncle invites you to go camping even when he knows you’re not “into” camping. Something you regret to this day.
An Uncle continues to smile and welcome your hug even when he is at his weakest and suffering from cancer.
An Uncle has raised children that check on your father after he is diagnosed with prostate cancer. All while their father is suffering from cancer that continues to spread. A testament to his character.
An Uncle stays strong long enough in the hospital for the doctors to send him home.
God knows when an Uncle is home, done fighting and knows his time has come.
You will be missed Uncle Charlie.
A Toolbox For Dad 