Say Uncle

Family is big on my mind these days maybe for less obvious reasons than you know. However, that's not important. What is important is the realization I had the other day about my uncle. He taught me everything I know about everything cool! 

My paternal grandma and my mom were pregnant at the same time. So my older sister and my uncle are the same age which was and is really fun. I had 2 working parents so as a school-aged child I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time at my grandma's house. Eric (this uncle), who was older at the time, was the only one home during this period of life. My aunt Amy had a room there too I think, but she was away in NYC or somewhere else exotic. Plus, her room was off limits. Lol.

The other day I was at my friends house and she had a newer Archie comic book and I swear I traveled right back in time to my uncle's room where he had stacks of comics (Dick Tracy or Mad anyone?).  I would read when he wasn't home. I wasn't always sneaky. He was often really nice and would willingly let me borrow his stuff. He always let me play his Sega and Nintendo which in turn prompted me to ask Santa for one. I got a Sega Genesis and Sonic the Hedgehog became my best friend. 

I've never given any meaning to my love of Hot Wheels cars until now really. My uncle had quite the collection. My most favorite game, and still is, is to park them in rows so perfectly and so neatly. Then I would remove one car and another one would come park in its spot. 

When we got together as an extended family and lots of other cousins came (the perks of living in Utah and being Mormon), we would often play Ghostbusters in the basement. Eric, my sister, Andy and Dusty always got first pick of who they would be because they were older. Lame. Laundry detergent turned into ghost repellent, and hockey sticks became weapons. 

Posters of Hulk Hogan and Karl Malone hung on his wall and because of that (and watching fights/games), I know who those people are. We also played basketball video games so I gleaned some knowledge there. 

As I grew older, his interests shifted, as did mine. I remember the era of Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey and The Duet. It was obvious who would sing which part.

I remember the first time I saw that part in the first Scream movie that makes you wanna vomit. I was way too young to be watching it. But my uncle, who was obviously looking out for me, fast-forwarded through most of the movie which was on VHS of course, and only showed me the most scary parts. 

We moved away and only came back to visit sometimes and when we did, it was always the same amount of fun with him. We have continued to wrestle our way through the years and play just as hard. I miss him and these memories. 

This is Sadie and Uncle 2009