U is for Uncle

My Uncle Doug is amazing. I can not remember a time he came to visit that he didn't make me feel like he flew across the country just to see me. Uncle Doug is the kind of person who makes me feel like I am the only person in the room, even if there are fifty other people there. And when he is talking to me, everyone else disappears and I feel, that despite any distraction, the only thing he cares about is hearing me. He holds me in his gaze and listens. He asks questions, he smiles,he nods, but most of all, he hears me. Uncle Doug is the definition of a good man, he is understanding and kind. He is a dedicated husband and father. And trusted by those who know and work with him. I adore my Uncle Doug.

When I was young, maybe fifteen or so, my Uncle Doug came to visit our family for the week. I was learning to sing, and he asked me to sing for him. I turned on my practice tape and he sat in a big comfy chair and just listened as I ran through warm ups, scales, and a few songs I was working on. Sometimes, he would close his eyes and just seemed to be floating on my little sea of song. When my mini concert ended, he thanked me for singing to him, and he told me my voice was so beautiful that all I needed to do to win any man's heart, was to look right at him, and sing. He told me that if I did that, that man  could not help but love me forever.

I held on to that, and I never sang to any man, until my wedding day. On that day, from across a room filled with people, I locked eyes with my beloved groom, and sang. I never looked away. Every note was for him, every word an expression of my love, and I knew from the gaze he returned that he would, indeed, love me forever.

Out of all the memories I carry, these two are among the most dear to my heart.

A diva never forgets, when someone really hears her voice.

Uncle Doug, has always heard mine.

-The Domestic Diva