The other night was moving along like most others. I had come home from work, changed clothes, and hung out with the boys while Jillian finished making dinner. We ate, Brooks finished first—per usual—and then anxiously waited for Joseph to finish so they could have dessert. Joseph almost always finishes dinner last.
After a small treat, the boys and I put on our shoes and headed out for a walk. I try to take them at least one evening a week so Jillian can get a few things done around the house. That night Brooks wanted to walk past a friend’s house, so we set off down the street.
As we passed by the rec center, we ran into my sister and her family. They had just finished flag football practice and were heading home. After visiting for a bit, the boys and I continued our walk.
It was a long walk for Joseph, so I periodically picked him up and carried him. We passed by Brooks’s friend’s house, but they weren’t outside. Two houses later was my Uncle Rick’s house, and he and my aunt were home. My cousin was there too, checking out the progress they were making on their remodel.
My uncle invited us inside to take a look.
What I didn’t realize was that while we were touring the house, he had quietly slipped out to the backyard and hidden “treasures” for the boys to find under statues and among the decorations.
When we finally made it outside, he led them on a treasure hunt that resulted in a handful of gems and cool rocks.
Hiding treasures is just one of the many things that “Papa” Rick does for my boys.
And as I watched them search through his backyard, I couldn’t help but think about all the things he did for me when I was a kid.
I have so many fond memories of Uncle Rick.
He taught us how to body surf at the beach.
He took us to garage sales and taught us how to negotiate for a better deal.
There were hikes in Idyllwild, slip n’ slides in the backyard, ping pong games in the garage, and countless trips to the movies.
I still remember seeing my first double feature with him. I also remember seeing The 13th Warrior with Uncle Rick and my cousin Luke—a movie we had absolutely no business seeing at our age.
Those are the kinds of memories that stick with you.
I’m grown up now, and I’m an uncle myself.
I try to show up for my nieces and nephews’ sporting events. I roughhouse with them at family gatherings. I teach them silly jokes the same way Rick used to teach me.
And when they’re older, I look forward to taking them places, teaching them new things, and supporting them every step of the way.
I’ve been blessed with the family I have.
Between my grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles, I couldn’t have asked for a better support system or more love than I’ve received throughout my life.
But having Uncle Rick living so close when I was growing up—and even closer now that I have kids of my own—is something I’ll never take for granted.
Because of him, I got experiences I’ll never forget.
And now my boys get to have experiences with Papa Rick that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
At the same time, I get the opportunity to create those kinds of memories with my own nieces and nephews as Uncle Brian.
Some treasures are hidden in a backyard.
Others are the people who hide them for us.
The Young Napoleon Project 