Uncle Tim,
It is hard to describe the special place you hold in my heart. Throughout all the years of experiences with you--whether I was a scraggly little girl who wanted to do everything, an emotional and immature teenager, a young lady consumed with love and wedding plans, or a very tired mom--you have always shown me the same love, acceptance and warmth.
Every time the family has gathered together, I have always felt like you were genuinely glad to see me, and all of us really. You are one of the most easy human beings to be around. You are up for anything, you never shy away from fun, you go with the flow, you listen well, you work hard, you play even harder, you give of yourself. You've always shared your things with us, even at the risk of those things getting damaged or broken or just plain used up (I can't even begin to count how many of your and Uncle Mark's tubes we've busted!). You've never held back. I've always felt completely at home around you, like you would do for me what you might do for one of your own.
You have left a legacy that will never be taken from you. Thank you for all of those years of driving us around on the boat (and not only us, but whatever friends we would bring aboard and pile into your boat, you welcomed them all the same!), spending countless hours (and even more dollars filling up the gas tank!) teaching us how to ski, wakeboard and hold onto a tube like any good water kid should. I am a firm believer that every child needs an uncle like you, and unfortunately not many get one.
I am blessed beyond measure for I have many good uncles, but one of my favorite things about you in particular is that you so remind me of my mom. And for that reason--along with many others--I will forever cherish you! I hope your 60th is the best birthday yet, and what's more, the best year yet as you walk in all that God has for you.
