Thursday, October 10, 2024
My Uncle BobUncle Bob was my second dad. Actually, he was my FUN dad. Uncle Bob really loved me like I was his child. He loved me even when he saw how mischevious I could be. He was my favorite uncle, and we shared many favorite things: ice cream, swimming, learning, bear hugs, chocolate, and the tushy on the poultry he was always carving. He was more than a “funcle”, he was my fun father.Uncle Bob gave the best bear hugs. Sometimes lifting you right up into the air. None of that nasty cheek pinching like other relatives! He was known for his bear hugs! I learned how to give those hugs so well that I once bruised Edie’s ribs… Let’s talk about Uncle Bob and chocolate!! Uncle Bob let us indulge in chocolate like no parent ever would! Whether it was Helen Elliott at Eastertime, or Godiva Chocolates in the city when he and Aunt Monica took us at Christmastime, chocolate was always part of the fun! Or was it ice cream? How could he not be my favorite uncle?!? When Edie and I slept over for the weekend, we could eat ice cream right on the living room watching TV! Maybe even seconds- nothing like your actual parent would ever allow! Growing up and visiting Grandma Margie’s house was always such a great time, and where Uncle Bob lived when he met Aunt Monica. Every dinner there, and whenever we all gathered with the newlyweds, I asked to sit between them at the table- to be as close as possible to BOTH of them. Uncle Bob told me that I could sit on either side of them, but they were in love and were going to sit together. I understood, but just loved them so much! Sometimes us 3ve siblings got into mischief at Grandma Margie’s. Once dad was yelling at Rick for something. I was behind dad making faces at Rick, as he was getting reprimanded. Uncle Bob noticed and told me he had no idea “his blond little angel” could behave that way! He still loved me anyway!
I also remember Uncle Bob could do this crazy Russian squatting kicking dance. He amazed us all in Grandma Margie’s attic doing it. We all kept trying to get it! Uncle Bob could also do an amazing trick! He would pile four quarters on the back of his hand, then toss them up in the air, catching each one right after the other. It was a feat to witness! Uncle Bob was not just full of merriment, but talented too! Did you know Uncle Bob was shot in his chest, straight through the heart, and survived? As I recall, and thanks to much great embellishment by my hero uncle himself, he healed himself and never even had to go to the hospital! I believe he said he was stopping a bank robbery from being committed... He really was an amazing guy! One of the greatest annual events was Thanksgiving on Twelve Forest Drive! More than a feast, a Hungarian poultry queen’s delight! Tables set in many rooms, Uncle Bob singing as he carved and shared the tushy with me! Children everywhere with craft supplies set up by my favorite aunt, Monica! Walks through the woods after dinner to make more room for delicious desserts! One of the best parts for me was growing up and taking my own family to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on our way to the Thanksgiving Feast of all Feasts on Forest Drive!!All such wonderful and meaningful memories!! More meaningful to me is that for my Uncle Bob, my dad, and myself- science is our instrument of knowledge. This is the legacy I hold so very dear- our background rooted in learning, understanding, and always seeking to learn more. My respect and love for Uncle Bob is felt so deeply, as he lived his life with this rooted in his essence, along with having a heart full of love. -Lori Sue Hartman Tutino, 10/10/2024
