Today my Uncle Bill, whom I have affectionally called Uncle B since I first began speaking, turns 95 years old. I am incredibly grateful for him and thankful for his impactful life and his ongoing legacy.
Happy 95th Birthday Uncle B!
I’ve mentioned Uncle B on several occasions. I give him credit for this blog and my love of travel, for it was his love of flying that made me love flying. He was with me my first time flying business class (all the way back in 2004 upstairs on a United 747-400 from Chicago to Los Angeles) and was with me on United’s last 747 flight from San Francisco to Honolulu.
We’ve traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the UK together and enjoyed some rich memories in Svalbard, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas.
We’ve also made road trips across the United States and Canada and spent countless hours in the car on trips within California to visit relatives.
My Uncle is a deep man of faith, a Christian who centers his entire life around his hope in Jesus Christ. Over the years I’ve seen so many religious hypocrites misappropriate the faith for their own devilish ends, but my uncle not only talks the talk, but walks the walks. As my own faith has developed, my uncle’s pure and unadulterated faith has been an instrumental example in forming my worldview and convictions.
I was so privileged to grow up wtih my uncle, who lived nearby and who always has been an important part of my life. I am beyond grateful that now my own children also are growing up with Uncle B.
Amazingly, my uncle’s mind is sharp, he takes no medication, lives on his own, walks without even the slightest limp, and sleeps through the night (which I know many men half his age with prostate issues would kill for). His life is characterized by service to others and a frugality and temperance that is inspiring.
I’ve told him that we need to take a nice trip together next year and we can go wherever he wants in the world. Maybe Greenland? Maybe Nova Scotia? Perhaps Australia again? I’m thinking we spend some time in New Zealand…neither of us have yet been to the South Island and we’d both love to visit Queenstown.
CONCLUSION
Uncle B turns 95 today and I am incredibly grateful for his instrumental role in my life and his impact in the lives of so many others. What a blessing it is to know such a man and to call him my uncle..and my friend.
A beautiful story. Many happy returns, Uncle B!
Happy birthday Uncle Bill! Another awesome revolution around the sun!,
Such a Wonderful tribute to Uncle B! Glad to hear he’s still going strong. Thanks for sharing and have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family.
Great story, Matthew. Respect indeed. Seems a great man.
Matthew, thanks for sharing about your Uncle B. Happy B-day to him!
God Bless you Matthew.
Wishing a happy birthday to your uncle. That’s really cool that the two of you are so close and have shared so many memories together.
Lovely post Matthew! Wishing Uncle B a Happy 95th Birthday and praying for many more.
Queenstown is well worth a visit – speaking as a totally unbiased New Zealander! Looking forward to hearing about it next year.
My wife and I visited Queenstown for our honeymoon 5 years ago. We loved it so much, we returned the following year and even stayed at the same hotel. Not an expert in the area, but definitely a lot of fun with many interesting things to do in the area. Feel free to reach out if you end up going.
Happy Birthday to your inspiring uncle and Happy Thanksgiving to both of you.
We are blessed and protected by the God of the universe.
Blessings, peace, and grace to you both.