strange radiation: the pool of radiance archive
Adventures with an unreliable narrator.
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Nov 7 05: avuncularity
Paul and I went to my sister’s house on Long Island over the weekend. It was, as we discovered, Uncle Appreciation Day, so imagine our delight at our good timing. We, being the only uncles present, got to be the guests of honor. Our hosts were particularly appreciative of our having dropped everything a few weeks ago, when our nephew was born and somebody had to look after his big sister for a while. There were cupcakes that said GO UNCLES GO and I ♥ UNCLES and UNCLES RULE and suchlike. Even better than the cupcakes (which were delicious and also touching and made me ever-so-slightly sniffly) was a card. The text was by Avery, age 2 1/2, as transcribed by her mommy. She put happy-flower stickers on the card all by herself, and also drew on it with a colored pencil. She loves those pencils.
Dear Uncle Andy and Uncle Paul— [the card says.]
You’re welcome Uncle Andy and Paul. Thank you for taking care of me. I’m drawing on the paper with my pencil. You’re welcome Uncle Andy and Paul. Don’t have my pencil or it’s really expensive. Come to my house and play with me. You’re welcome Uncle Andy and Atticus and Paul and you. You can’t use my pencil.
I love you.
Love,
Avery
Apparently the hip kids these days all use “you’re welcome” when they say “thank you.” Who knew? There was also a drawing to put on our refrigerator.
I am the happiest uncle in the world, I think.