xxxx 19th Ave. NE
Seattle, WA, 98105
October 6, 2008
Dear Uncle Doc,
I miss you. We all miss you. And I would like to see you sometime soon. Grandma said you didn’t go far since we last saw each other. It has been a long time, and many things have changed. I assume that Grandma or Aunt Debbie already told you but, just so you know, some important things that have happened to me recently were my 18th birthday in July, becoming an Eagle Scout, and graduating from high school. I’m attending the University of Washington in Seattle right now, and my parents feel comfortable with me joining the fraternity xxxx. I have been really enjoying college, my classes are interesting, and everyone in the fraternity is welcoming.
If I am remembering correctly the last time I saw you was at Grandma’s house. Then, I had the suspicion that you had a mental disorder of some sort, but now I am certain of it. In objective terms, your actions have been irrational. It bothered me hearing you explain that the government was after you, and that they were breaking into your car and staining the carpet with dangerous chemicals; these among other things you said. We love you, and we’re not out to get you, we’re trying to help you. I know that my attempts to convince you are futile, but you should know that persuasion isn’t my reason for this letter.
My thoughts of you used to be conflicting. I was annoyed after several months when you hadn’t turned up, and I didn’t know what to think of you other than a poor uncle who was never around anymore to see me grow up. But now, after much thought, I’ve realized that I have no right to judge you because whatever it is that has affected you, be it the government, stalker people, or an illness, it is something unintentional and unfortunate that has hit you harder than it has hit anyone else. Sorry that I’ve misunderstood you for so long.
You have been an important influence in my life, especially as a child. When I can’t fall asleep, I search for a happy memory. Usually, I end up thinking about our time working on the treehouse in the summer. As young as I was then, you always let me help out even when I bent all the nails and stripped all the heads off the screws. Uncle Doc, you were always the cool uncle and always teaching me, about girls, about carpentry, and about my own parents. Thanks for your stories about Poland and the Marines. Thanks for telling me about your adventures with my dad, revealing a more relaxed and fun side of him that I never knew existed. I remember you loved to tell me about conspiracies, political or religious, and strange beliefs on nutrition, as well as your obsession with peanuts and other silly things. But remember that, even as a child, I always listened to you.
I’m sorry, I have judged you so harshly with your cigarette addiction. Now I know there were more important things that were occurring in your life. You’ve always been replete with ingenuity and motivation while building up your business. These are traits that I hope to encounter in the future while persuing my career.
Although I feel as if I’ve resolved my conflicting opinions of you, there’s no real way I can see us resolving the conflict of our separation without your effort. We’re disconnected physically, communicatively, and psychologically. I’m still uncertain of your opinion on me, how you remember me now (do you still see me as a child?) or if you even want to get back in touch. The decision to get back in touch is ultimately yours. You can call me at (847) 239-xxxx or just send a letter to xxxx 19th Street NE, Seattle, WA, 98105. Lastly, please, in all fairness, take this letter with open-minded consideration for it was written in complete sincerity.
Much love from your nephew,
Richie
P.S. Over the summer I roamed Krakow for a day because of a transfer flight from Paris to back home. I know you love Poland and I hope to tell you about it sometime.
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