Uncle David

I know the Christmas season is in full swing but I have another story from Thanksgiving. I am almost done. Soon after I arrived at my parents’ home in California last month, I learned that my aunt Nancy and Uncle David would be coming and staying a few days. This was good news. I had not seen them since 2004.

Aunt Nancy did not disappoint with her endless supply of anecdotes about growing up with Dad. Uncle David treated us all to music from a dulcimer that he made. It was a delight getting caught up with them. They seemed to be doing well in every regard.

Therefore, I was puzzled when during a family prayer my nephew prayed that “Uncle David would feel better.” Was he not feeling well? How did this boy know about something that I didn’t?

Then it dawned on me that he wasn’t referring to my uncle, but to his.

It engendered a curious feeling in me. I am extremely humbled by and grateful for the many prayers in my behalf offered by family and friends, but my natural instinct is to defer. I’m fine. I mean I have a long list of medical issues and limitations, but I feel pretty good. Well, most of the time. Most days. Some days I don’t. Maybe I’d better keep the divine petitions going!