Uncless

As of last week, and for the first time in my life, I have no uncles. My last uncle, Phil, has died. I really liked my uncle Phil. He and his brother Clayton were always brimming to the top with great stories, told with relish in an animated style. Uncle Phil was the sheriff of Kent country Michigan from 1975 until his retirement in 1991.

I remember the retired police dogs he always had around his farmhouse, German Shepherds with names like "Samson". And the apple cider he pressed in the fall, so sweet and cold.

Although I didn't see my uncle very much lately, we shared a birthday (6/12) and I will miss knowing he's out there.