Saturday, October 3, 2009

Unc














An interesting phenomenon has emerged since I started posting postcards: people are not only sending me more postcards, but they are also giving me postcards they've saved, for whatever reasons. This one is my favorite so far.

Unc. Uncle Ed. My mother's brother. The definition of cool uncle. He lived in a variety of incredible places: the Hollywood hills in the 60s; Corona Del Mar, El Morro (best body surfing spot on the So Cal coast, according to many) and Laguna Beach in the 60s/70s; Palm Springs until his death early in the 21st century. Our family stayed more than once in all of them, and he always made us feel welcome. He looked like Elvis Presley in his youth, only handsomer. He was a safe harbor for me in my teens, and when I got married, ferried all my bridesmaids around in a Winnebago, decked out with huge paper flowers from a Mexican wedding store. When he walked into a room, all the bridesmaids would chant, "Unc. Unc. Unc." I'm pretty sure he loved it.

He sent this card to his parents when he was away at camp, probably at the age of 8 or 9. My cousin sent it to me. It evoked all sorts of wonderful memories and melancholy feelings, which is why it is one of my favorites to date.

2 comments:

  1. awww Mar. You posted it!! Love your synopsis of my dad.

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  2. That is beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. I miss him so much. He has been in so many of my dreams.

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