My Uncle Steve came for a visit yesterday. A pilot, he comes through town occasionally for work, and this time we were lucky to have him with us all day Sunday. We went down to Fells Point, a historic area on the water in downtown Baltimore. We ate at a lovely Irish pub, Slainte (according to our eastern European waiter, it is pronounced slain-cha), that had great food, fabulous views of the Inner Harbor and a very realistic "pub" feel to it. It helps that it was in a 300 year old building. Afterward, we wandered along the piers looking at the boats as well as the interesting architecture that lines the shore.
My uncle is my dad's oldest brother and he and his wife, Randee, have been a huge part of my life. They have been there for me through some really rough times and have shared some of my best. Spending the day with him yesterday brought home to me how hard it is sometimes to be away from all of "my" people. Don't get me wrong, my in-laws are the kindest, most wonderful people who have welcomed me into their family with open arms, but there is something about showing off my baby to people who knew ME when I was a baby that has a whole different feel to it.
As I looked through the pictures we took yesterday, I welcomed a wave of nostalgia. I pulled out a photo album that includes pictures of my family throughout my life and found one of my Uncle Steve and me when I was just a little older than Sophie is now. He looks just the same to me, although the hair's a little grayer, and I look so much like Sophie. I am reminded just how wonderful family is and how lucky I am to have such amazing people in my life.
I wanna see the picture of you and Uncle Steve! But first I'll have to take a picture of my Goonies love...I promise, I haven't forgotten!
ReplyDeletep.s. Did you drink a Guinness at the Irish pub? I had one in Vegas...at an Irish Pub just off Freemont Street. Good times.
Sounds like the picture would make a good "Flashback Friday" ... :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree! We need to see that pic too!
ReplyDeleteWe live away from both sides of family and anytime we get together I get a little choked up about the fact that we don't have that connection all the time.
It's so hard sometimes.
Sorry, ladies! I tried to scan the picture in, but it is so old and grainy that it just doesn't do the picture justice.
ReplyDeleteStill, it's good to reminisce. I'm glad you got to spend a whole day with one of YOUR peeps! ;)
ReplyDeleteThis one hits close to home for me. I have always loved the fact that I am so close to my family, both emotionally and geographically. Now with my brother out of state, I am reminded how lucky we were all those years. I give a lot of credit to people who, like you stay close despite the miles. I am glad you had such a great visit with your Uncle. Thanks for your comment last week it meant so much.
ReplyDeleteReading this gives me the warm fuzzies. :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds likke a nce day w/ your uncle! You're very lucky! That Irish pub sounds very cool--I would have never known to pronounce it that way!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Great sounding pub! Great pic, very crisp, just like being there! We've got a couple realy great Irish Pubs here too. LOVE UM!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful baby...
ReplyDeleteI LOVED that SNL skit. And all of the political ones that night were actually pretty funny!
I totally know what you are saying, in-law are awesome but they are just not the same as those people who knew you when...
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story!! And how cute is the baby!!! She is really growing fast!
ReplyDeleteI am also very close to my mothers three brothers (poor kid) and I feel like each one is another father figure. It great that your Uncle could come by - and I do like that little pub:)
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