A Decade of Uncleness

It's so hard to believe that I have been an uncle for 10 whole years!! It seems like yesterday that I was working when I received "the call". It was a little after noon on Saturday. I was behind the counter at CARQUEST impatiently waiting for 3 PM to chime so I could spin tires out of the parking lot. The telephone rang, and I, with my best customer service voice, answered it. Instead of an inquiry about the price of an oil filter or a belt, I was given the news by my sister that she was in labor and was about to leave for the hospital. She was chattering uncontrollably and could barely form words correctly, but she did get across that THIS WAS IT. Of course, I strongly suggested that she not have them until after I get off work because I had no choice but to stay till 3. She said she would she what she could do about it (tongue-in-cheek, of course!).

The afternoon crept along and finally I was released from my "prison" and motored down the highway at a fast clip. I arrived home, changed clothes quickly, and escorted Mom to Wake Med. We arrived on two wheels and finally found the room where Kellie and Steve were waiting. I will never, ever forget the next few moments...

The closer we got to the room, I heard a noise. It became louder and louder and louder. Mom knocked on the door and Steve answered it. Come to find out, the noise was being produced by my sister. It reached a crescendo when the door was cracked. A undulating, moaning sound emanated from the room

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I can remember my eyes widening in surprise, Steve's face cracked in a huge grin, and this thought coursing through my brain...That's my sister making that noise!!!!! After telling them we were there, Mom and I went back to the waiting room and waited for the inevitable. Dad arrived a few minutes later along with other family members. We talked and waited and talked and waited some more. Finally someone came out to tell us that Wesley had popped out and she would come back with the rest of the story later. After another short wait, she returned to let us know that Mikayla had followed suit and that everyone was doing well.

Wow! What memories!!! I still can't believe they are 10 years old! During the time of their arrival into this world, Nickel Creek released a single entitled "When You Come Back Down". I have always loved the song and find it very fitting in describing part of what I feel about my nephew and niece. They are growing up so fast! I will end with the lyrics to this lovely song.

You got to leave me now;
You got to go alone.
You got to chase a dream,
One that's all your own
Before it slips away.
When you're flyin' high,
Take my heart along.
I'll be the harmony to every lonely song
That you'll learn to play.

When you're soarin' through the air,
I'll be your solid ground.
Take every chance you dare;
I'll still be there
When you come back down,
When you come back down.

I'll keep lookin' up,
Awaitin' your return.
My biggest fear will be that you will crash and burn
And I won't feel your fire.
I'll be the other hand that always holds the line,
Connectin' in between your sweet heart and mine.
I'm strung out on that wire.

And I'll be on the other end
To hear you when you call.
Angel, you were born to fly,
But if you get to high,
I'll catch you when you fall.
I'll catch you when you fall.

Your memory's the sunshine every new day brings.
I know the sky in calling.
Angel, let me help you with your wings.

When you're soarin' through the air,
I'll be your solid ground.
Take every chance you dare.
I'll still be there
When you come back down.
When you come back down.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WESLEY AND MIKAYLA!!!!