My Uncle Andrew, or as we called him for many years "Uncle", was always up for a game. He brought the sense of excitement that could make anyone feel better, whether it be through his bright smile and/or his low-pitched belly laugh. Magic tricks with cards were extra extraordinary when he was my subject. He used to do this thing where he would give me the biggest hug, wrapping his entire wingspan around me and then he would proceed to fall asleep. A panic only a child knows would travel into my body as I struggled to be free from his loving embrace. Never losing my smile along the way. After waking up, he would tie my socks together and then unhinge me from his arms, laughing as I teetered around. A jester of all jesters, was he.
At our family cottage, I knew I could go to him for a game of "Kick the Can" or "Hide and Seek" and he would be on his feet instantly. I have vivid memories of Uncle running around the cottage exterior, zooming towards the patio where the can was placed, shouting "KICKKK THE CANNNN!!" The whole cottage would erupt in joy as we reset the game. I longed to be as stealthy as he was, analyzing the motion of his body and laser-beam gaze. My hope is to be as skillful at "Kick the Can" as he was when I'm older.
Over the last couple of months, I have had the fortune of hanging out with Andrew's wonderful boys. To be able to watch Owen and Johnny play, read, express, and laugh brings me endless gratitude. There is so much Andrew in each of them. It is a treat to hold onto Andrew through his sons, and I deeply thank Allison for welcoming me into their home.
Uncle was and will always be the spirited and generous person I grew up with. And I will miss him very much.
