Becoming an Uncle

On this day, February 4th, back in 1998 I officially became an Uncle. It was a strange thing becoming an uncle as I found myself feeling a comfortable sense of purpose, and an immediate bond of unconditional love. I still remember the first time those little arms attempted to hug me as hard as they could in a deliberate attempt to convey how much she loved me. I have a lot of memories of my niece Alyssa, but that hug is one of my favorites. I've made it through several of these birthdays since her untimely departure focusing on the happy memories, but not this one; this one I miss her too much, and that makes me sad.