Uncle John says

I have been an Uncle for a great deal of time now. My sister Barb has given me four hockey playing children to be proud of. Tonight Austin became the league champions. I watched as the last minutes clicked down and he was thrown out of the game after having enough of the bad calls from the referees. He certainly has a bit of Beranek in him. The night before I watched as little Sarah played hockey. The pace, intensity of the parents and overall energy in the room was very different. She likes being able to play like her brothers, but certainly does not have the furry of her older brother.

Sister Angela has given birth to twins Luke and Leo. It is our hope they will get home in the next few days. I secretly am glad they did not go home right away because I think it gave Davin, Angela and big brother John time to get ready to bring them home. Angela seems well rested and ready for the new challenge.

Now if only brother Tom and cool Robin could have the stars align, God shine down and blessing sent to have a baby of their own. No child could arrive to more giving parents who have the means, desire and commitment to give themselves to a child. I KNOW it will happen for them.

Brother Tim and Paula make it look easy with their two red headed delightful girls whose behavior, attitude and roots are firmly planted in the desire to have all the benefits of a good life without the Paris Hilton attitude of privilege. They are, continue to be and will remain great parents.

Brother James and Joe still live the wild life their father has instilled in them. They know how to have a good time, enjoy the people around them and appreciate what has been given to them.

I can't wait to see what life will continue to bring to Uncle John. He will remain in the wings wishing they read more, talked more and got together more, but happy in the mental snapshots he takes of each of them. I can hardly stand the fact I have not seen the twins, but know there will be good times ahead. I am secretly waiting until all the other family members have visited and the newness has worn off and the parents are exhausted. Then Uncle John will arrive to take some of the night duty to give their parents a few extra hours of sleep. Until then I will leave for vacation, a good amount of tanning, drinks with strange names and the Florida coast cruise to gear me up for what is to come.