31...

I am writing about a revelation. I think for most of my first 26, almost 27 years, I have ignored the amazingness of my parents as a couple. My parents have been going strong for 31 years as of yesterday. I, as well as everyone else in their lives, have always been able to count on my parents. I never realized how much of a unit they are together. When Jill and I have a problem we know we can go to them, the same for people in the church, our family, or anyone else. I don't think I realized how much I always say my parents or "them" more than I do my dad or pronouns that describe my parents as individuals. It has not been until I have seen other couples and taken their unity completely for granted. Looking back I see how couples could act together, and it is a great Christian example for Jill and I to follow. Thanks mom and dad.

Uncles

I am blessed. I know that. I probably didn't know that nearly as much as a kid growing up with such an amazing family. My parents have a pretty big family. I enjoyed playing with several cousins on either side. I knew how great that was, but didn't know how much I loved and enjoyed the company of their parents until recently. With time passing I realize more and more how blessed I was to have Aunts and Uncles to help me along in life. My uncles helped shaped who I became as a man.
I learned the following from my uncles....
My Uncle Bruce I learned to dive. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it also makes me think about the little things in life. I learned to dive off a diving board that was at a shared pool at an apartment he and my aunt rented. It took maybe an hour, but it stuck and I still dive the same way today (which I think I do pretty well). When Heath was sick I remember him being here. I don't remember anything he said or anything he did specifically, but he was here. Now I like to pick his brain on xbox games, church structure, and the little things in life.
Uncle Same loves sports, and karoke. He always asked me how wrestling was going through high school, which sounds basic but not everyone asked. Our shared love of sports was the basis for our relationship until I was about 20. Now he makes the family laugh with movie jokes at family gatherings. From him I learned celebrate your commonalities (and brace yourself for anything in life since he was the only male in a 5 person family)
Uncle Steve taught me to be excited about family. He always loves being around his family.

Uncle Robert taught me several things. He definitely showed me what good investments get you, and always told all the nephews about saving our money. I still have a small savings account asked me to start with my graduation check. Our relationship also taught me it is never too late to start a good relationship. I wish we would have known each other more when I was younger, but distance didn't allow it. Today with cell phones and especially facebook we have a much better relationship, and I always enjoy talking to him. He also taught me it's ok to take your time getting a degree.
My Uncle Sonny was a second father. All of the nephews benefited from Sonny's knowledge. I still apply many of life's lessons he taught me. The way I define success comes in major part from him. I remember telling him I wanted to successful, but I was using it in terms of being rich. He said that he thought he had taught me better then to define success in those terms. I remember him treating anyone and everyone with respect. I learned the value in loving your family (some of my happiest times with my brother are at his house, and while few were captured on film; they are all very vivid in my mind) I also learned what computers to use.

Those of you not in my family probably heard it as rambling, but there is a lesson. Some of God's gifts come attached to the family you have. Enjoy them all, we don't have them long.

--Be Excellent to Each Other