Introduction
Believe it or not, at the ripe young age of 64, I have an “uncle” who turned 17 years old last Tuesday. In reality, he is my great-nephew, and I am his great-uncle. Farther below, I explain why I call my great-nephew “uncle.”
Welcome, dear reader, to the 133rd entry in the Family topic section. My “uncle,” Skyler, and his immediate family live about 1.5 hours away. Unable to attend his 17th birthday party, I decided to record an audiovisual birthday present for Skyler. My wife and I last saw my “uncle” and other family members and friends last year on Saturday, June 15. The article from 6/20/2024 is about that enjoyable gathering.
My Birthday Gift to “Uncle” Skyler
Without further fanfare, Appalachian Irishman – Podcasts (YouTube) presents Belated Happy 17th Birthday, “Uncle” Skyler! (published 6-11-2025; episode 38)!
The episode, published today, was recorded live on “Uncle” Skyler's 17th birthday last Tuesday. With help from my “long-suffering” wife, I had just finished bracing down a section of deck board that had popped up again recently. While still standing on the stepladder, the thought occurred to me to ask my wife to record a clip. It was shared with my “uncle,” his mother, and other family members up in Kingsport.
Why do I call my great-nephew “uncle?” That burning question is now answered!
The television series Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) includes the second episode in the fourth season, titled Family. It aired originally on Saturday, 9/29/1990, when my wife and I were living in Charleston, Missouri.
In that episode Captain Jean-Luc Picard's young nephew, René Picard, called Jean-Luc his uncle. Captain Picard replied by saying that René must be his nephew. In the episode, René Picard was portrayed as a congenial, well-mannered, and intelligent young man.
Several years ago, I was impressed with my great-nephew's gifts of intellect and congeniality. His mother was and is raising him as a well-mannered young man. That's why I started calling my great-nephew “uncle.” It is my way of complimenting him. Last year, at the previously stated gathering of family and friends, I explained this to my great-nephew, his mother, and grandfather (my brother).
Conclusion
So, once again, happy birthday greetings, “Uncle” Skyler! Your great-uncle and great-aunt, down the road a ways, wish you a wonderful 17th year of life and a life filled with happiness, adventure, and service to the Lord! We love you, and we hope to see you soon.
This article is also published in honor of Granny Ferrell, who passed away on this day in 1971. The following two selected articles include previous tributes to Granny Ferrell: The article from 6/13/2021 also mentions our niece at age 15. Later, the article from 11/30/2022 mentions my mother.
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