That is what we used to call him... in order to differentiate between our Papa Carl and his son who was also named Carl. As though Uncle Carl was not quite clear enough? He is a quiet and gentle man. He is observant and kind. He is definitely bigger than Papa, but then again so am I!!! He has been there our whole lives long, generous with gifts and a favourite of the family dogs over the years. And from our generation right on up to the newest babes of our family he has been someone who the littlest ones always seemed to fear!!!
Poor Uncle Carl!
When we were small, he was heavier than he is these days, his hair and beard were very red and there was just a little mystery in his quiet demeanor. He has shed some pounds, the hair grown white but still he is a man of few words. That is just him. I have grown up and now see many qualities that are quite endearing!!!
Yesterday as we gathered the family together yet again there were 3 little ones who all showed a different response to Uncle Carl. Madelyn, sat and looked at him quite seriously. She eventually waved from a distance and a showed her small smile but would venture no closer. Sydney, looked at Uncle Carl from over her Grandma's shoulder and when he said "Hello!" to her, she screamed!!! And Colin, stood in front of him, checking him out for quite some time. Uncle Carl took off his hat so Colin could see his face. Colin took his hat from him and played with it for a few minutes. He barely took his eyes off of Uncle Carl the whole time. He eventually gave him back his hat and came back to me where he put his head down on my knee and stared at Uncle Carl smiling at him.
It is a wonder this poor man has never developed a complex! All of us kids over the years being quite stand offish and shy in his presence.... but I do think that Em was the saving grace!!! Emily LOVED Uncle Carl when she was a little one!! She climbed all over him, to the amusement of everyone. She hugged him big hugs and showered his head with kisses. She even fell asleep in his arms on at least one occasion. I am sure that he will never ever forget her for this!!
1 comment:
Yes, poor Uncle Carl! The kids will soon see as him as the gentle man that we do now! Uncle Carl has always been an important part of our family! He took over the spaghetti dinner's when Nanny could no longer do it and his meaty version of the sauce with papa's tomatoes was always a hit, different then Nanny's but that's what makes them both special! Uncle Carl always carved the meat and barbequed the dogs and burgers at the family functions, I'm sure he still does...am I right? His meticulous way is what makes him, him! And don't forget the doggie bags for old Buddy and Pal. Uncle Carl always gave us neat gifts! I'm sure Karen had a hand in some of them, the teen packs filled with deodorant, mini shampoo, razors, shaving lotion and a can of pop were always great to get. I still had my wine botlle opener up until last month when it broke! I'm so glad we have him and look forward to this next generation getting to know him too! K
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