That was such an entertaining read, and a thoughtful and touching tribute to your wonderful uncle. Who needs biological children if one has such a loving niece.
Thank you, Sarah, and what an interesting comment about children. I've never felt from any priest or nun whom I've known any particular sense of missing having children. Yes, Uncle Tony had more physical time to spend on his nieces and nephews than any of my uncles who had kids of their own, but, although he was in some ways a surrogate father to me, I never felt he himself either wanted or needed surrogate sons or daughters - like other religious people, he had his needs filled in different ways. We hear so much about the bad priests and nuns, but those who are fulfilled in their vocations are among the happiest people I know. Huh, this is something I'd never particularly thought about before and it's an interesting one, so thank you for bringing it up.
What a beautiful piece of writing and honoring worthy of your uncle. I have heard you talk about him more than once, but reading this brought tears to my eyes. Your words capture him and evoke your love for him so that I can feel and enjoy it.
Thank you. Anneke, it was a great joy to write this piece because it gave me an excuse to hang out with him again, which was a huge privilege even at this remove.
And the Rome you were writing about was so recognizable, particularly the one full of priests who love the city! My father was an ex-Catholic athiest, but he always had a soft spot for the Jesuits!
They're a breed unto themselves, aren't they, Louisa? And I'm overcome with flattery that you recognized Rome in the piece - Uncle Tony was passionate about the city, and indeed I have proudly framed on my wall his official tour guide's certificate from Ente Provinciale di Turismo di Roma. Wouldn't it be glorious if you and I could have had lunch with your father and Uncle Tony? Maybe somewhere in an alternate universe ...
This was such a lovely tribute, Gabrielle. Here's to the Uncle Tonys all over the world!
Thank you, Lis, and a hearty amen to that!
That was such an entertaining read, and a thoughtful and touching tribute to your wonderful uncle. Who needs biological children if one has such a loving niece.
Thank you, Sarah, and what an interesting comment about children. I've never felt from any priest or nun whom I've known any particular sense of missing having children. Yes, Uncle Tony had more physical time to spend on his nieces and nephews than any of my uncles who had kids of their own, but, although he was in some ways a surrogate father to me, I never felt he himself either wanted or needed surrogate sons or daughters - like other religious people, he had his needs filled in different ways. We hear so much about the bad priests and nuns, but those who are fulfilled in their vocations are among the happiest people I know. Huh, this is something I'd never particularly thought about before and it's an interesting one, so thank you for bringing it up.
So touching. Made me, too, wish I'd known him.
Thank you, Pat, we would have had some laughter, that's for sure.
What a beautiful piece of writing and honoring worthy of your uncle. I have heard you talk about him more than once, but reading this brought tears to my eyes. Your words capture him and evoke your love for him so that I can feel and enjoy it.
Thank you. Anneke, it was a great joy to write this piece because it gave me an excuse to hang out with him again, which was a huge privilege even at this remove.
Uncle Tony sounds wonderful!
Oh, Louise, he was. And he taught me to love Rome, too - I always think of him when I read your posts.
And the Rome you were writing about was so recognizable, particularly the one full of priests who love the city! My father was an ex-Catholic athiest, but he always had a soft spot for the Jesuits!
They're a breed unto themselves, aren't they, Louisa? And I'm overcome with flattery that you recognized Rome in the piece - Uncle Tony was passionate about the city, and indeed I have proudly framed on my wall his official tour guide's certificate from Ente Provinciale di Turismo di Roma. Wouldn't it be glorious if you and I could have had lunch with your father and Uncle Tony? Maybe somewhere in an alternate universe ...
An absolutely wonderful story told with humor and love. I wish I had had an Uncle Tony. How lucky you were!
Thank you, Karen, he was a pretty wonderful man.
If all the favorites, this one is my most favorite. Thank you for this beautiful and personal piece.
Thank you so much, Liz, that's lovely to hear!
What a beautiful tribute, I am only sorry I never met him.
Thank you Candi, and I wish you'd met Uncle Tony too, you'd have very much enjoyed each other.