Aaron has difficulty understanding family relationships. He understands Mom and Dad, and brother and sister. He struggles, though, with titles outside of our immediate family. Sometimes his given titles for family members can be hilarious. Such was the case when his sister, Andrea, was engaged to marry Kyle. Aaron thought that Andrea would no longer be his sister, and this thought was intolerable to him. One day we tried, yet again, to explain that he would not lose his sister but would instead gain a brother.
“Well, I don’t NEED a Grandbrother!!” he angrily declared.
We waited to laugh until Aaron had left the room.
Other times, Aaron’s descriptions of family relationships can be suspicious. This happened one recent evening as Aaron was trying to tell me something about Kyle. You know…Kyle. Aaron’s Grandbrother.
“Kyle,” Aaron said, “who lives with Andrea. Dad said he’s the brother-in-law.”
“He is to you,” I replied.
“So Kyle,” Aaron continued, “Andrea’s father…..”
“No!” I interjected, “he’s her husband.”
“So Kyle,” he began again, “Andrea’s father-in-law….”
Please, if Aaron is ever trying to explain our family to you, come to us for clarification before you ever repeat what you think you have learned.
But Aaron’s new position as UNCLE Aaron has taken root in Aaron’s mind. I’m still not sure he grasps exactly why he is the uncle, which is based on the fact that he is Andrea’s brother and as such then he is automatically the uncle of their soon-to-be born baby boy. All of this gets pretty complicated to him.
Yet he has taken on the mantle of The Uncle as if it is his new designated title…something like The Duke or The Earl.
Aaron is The Uncle.
Here is a typical conversation that Aaron might have with people. Literally, with anyone he encounters, even strangers.
“My sister is having a BABY!” he exuberantly declares. “And I’m The UNCLE!!”
He makes this declaration loudly while bending over, rapidly rubbing his hands together, and grinning as broadly as he can possibly grin.
To say it’s surprising to all these random recipients is putting it mildly. Yet it’s also endearing and precious. Most folks respond with a huge smile and congratulations. Bless them.
Time for me to insert a couple pictures taken last week when I was in Texas for Andrea’s baby shower. 😊
As you can see, the time is getting closer for Baby Boy to arrive.
And it seems that Aaron is getting a little nervous about what is expected from him in his new role as The Uncle.
“I’m not sure I want to be The Uncle,” he sometimes says.
“I’m scared to be The Uncle,” he has also said.
“I don’t know what to do as The Uncle,” he adds.
We assure him that being The Uncle simply means that his job will be to play with Baby Boy. To love him. To read to his nephew.
Oh wait. We haven’t used that term yet…nephew. Let’s not push these concepts too far.
After Andrea sent us her latest sonogram pictures, I shared them with Aaron. He especially loved seeing Baby Boy’s foot…
And his hand.
Not long after, as we talked to our neighbor, Aaron remembered what he had seen.
“Andrea sent more pictures of the baby and I saw his hand and his foot!!” he very excitedly said.
“Oh Aaron,” Amanda replied. “That’s so wonderful!”
“YES!!” he declared as he bent over and rubbed his own hands together. “And now I’m HAPPY to be The UNCLE.”
There was that grin, huge and so cute!
Aaron will most assuredly have his fluctuations about all this business of his new title, The Uncle, being bestowed upon him. As long as he continues to talk to us about his feelings then all should be well.
And most assuredly, he will continue to do just that.
He Said What?! 
Patty, Aaron is sure embracing his role as The Uncle! What a journey and it will be fun to hear what he thinks when he sees the baby boy after he is born! Aaron gives such joy and laughter! Blessings to you and your husband, as new grandparents!
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Thank you, Hazel. We can’t wait to see and HEAR Aaron’s reactions. 😊
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Patty such a sweet and warm story. I love that precious Aaron and his big, wide, proud grin about his new upcoming role. And Andrea, beautiful Andrea. She is breathtaking as a soon to be Mom. I bet it was fun to go to her shower. You’re going to be a grandmother before you know it! Love you all and have appreciated all your prayers. Barbara
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Love you so much, Barbara.
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Wonderful insight into Aaron’s heart and congratulations on your expectant grandparenthood.
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Thank you, Pete.
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Patty, thanks for sharing your joy and photos! I enjoyed hearing about Uncle Aaron’s reactions; it will be interesting to hear his responses to a new little one. 🙂 Blessing to you and yours!🌺
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Thank you, Jeanne. I can’t wait for Aaron to meet his new nephew. I imagine there will be both laughter and tears from us. Blessings to you, as well.
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Beautiful pictures! Congratulations to you all. Glad The Uncle is looking forward to his new role lol. This was fun to read. 🤗
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Thank you, Dawn. Have a blessed day!
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I love that description Patty- “Yet he has taken on the mantle of The Uncle as if it is his new designated title…something like The Duke or The Earl.” He gives such honor to this wonderful title. Your daughter has the beautiful radiance of a first time mom to be.
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Thank you, Beth. Aaron touches absolutely everything with his unique view of life. I love sharing it with others. Thanks for reading.
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What a delight to read Patty! I’m so excited for your entire family as you all gain new titles in light of that sweet baby boy!! You will all shine brightly for His glory in your upcoming role!! Such a wonderful blessing!!
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Thank you, Alicia! We are truly blessed and so thankful.
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So glad you included pictures. Your daughter is LOVELY! And what fun to share those sonogram photos with Aaron–and us! Looks like you don’t have too much longer to wait for Baby Boy’s arrival! I’m another who looks forward to Aaron’s reactions. I’m guessing it will be instant love, awe, and a passion to protect!
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Thank you, Nancy. We all wonder what Aaron will say and do. Will he be hesitant? Or shy? Will he be in awe? I suspect hesitancy at first but then as he adjusts I can see him wanting to get to know the little boy who has made him The Uncle. Whatever happens, it will be in Aaron’s unique way for sure.
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I often wish I could meet Aaron, but someday I’ll meet you all in Heaven! He always puts a smile on my face. I suppose that’s his ministry. Blessings, Patty!
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I love the thought of the smiles he brings being his ministry. Thank you, Cindy! And won’t heaven just be one big joy for all eternity? I look forward to finally meeting you then, if not before.
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