RobArt Penguin

My uncle was a self-made man but he was not wealthy. He loved sports and did them all. He was a swim coach and owned a retail sports shop that gave him a comfortable life. People came from all over the country to get his advice on sports equipment. He was a local legend. My father and I had an antagonistic relationship, but my uncle was my rock. I never heard him say an ill word about anybody. He was a second father. When I was in law school, I had a mini episode (like a breakdown) where the pressure got to me. I started acting crazy and my uncle became very angry with me, but it was not a scold or rebuke. I had never seem him get so emotional. He told me that the pressure wasn’t worth it and told me to calm down. I didn’t feel put down, but cared about. When he dropped all his guards and got very real with me, I realized he cared about me. People can tell you that they care about you. Words are nice, but to see it in real time. Knowing my uncle cared so deeply and had my back has always stuck with me.