Becoming A Lert

My Uncle Tony, who I affectionately call Uncle Lert, is a man I admire and respect. Let me count the ways...

1.) I have a sister, Amy, who is 16 months younger than me and when we were younger we were often asked if we were twins. My Uncle Tony could not keep us straight so he called us both "AmyAshley." Last summer my Aunt Liz and Uncle Tony got 2 kittens that looked similar. They named them Frankie and Lily but he could not tell them apart. He suggested they change the names to "AmyAshley." He is now able to tell us all apart...kittens and all.

2.) Uncle Tony and Aunt Liz have a love that is evident. They love and respect each other. They laugh with each other and learn from each other. They work as a team and take care of each other. They are a great example of a joyful marriage that I am so blessed to have in my life.

3.) Uncle Tony is a great photographer and took many beautiful pictures at my wedding that Jonathan and I will cherish forever.

4.) A year and half ago I got pretty darn sick. During this time I would spend a lot of time at the resturaunt I worked at and Aunt Liz managed. My Uncle Tony also would come down to see Aunt Liz. Uncle Tony and I would sit and drink tea, talking and discussing the important things in life...like trees. We spent one afternoon talking for 4 hours! It was bliss to have him all to myself. It was during one of these chats that Uncle Tony gave me some great advice to get through my illness and gave him his nickname. He told me that even though I had to slow down and take a "break" from life it was just a way to become more alert to things in life. So we were boths "lerts" as life threw us monkey wrenches. Which brings me to the my next point...

5.) Through this whole battle, Uncle Tony keeps on keepin' on. He keeps fighting hard. He doesn't give up. He is an inspiration to me to keep on keepin' on...

6.) Uncle Tony loves to read and has a lot of knowledge and wisdom.

7.) I can watch something on PBS and then call him up and talk about it.

8.) Uncle Tony loves the outdoors and is great with his hands. He even built his own house!!!!

9.) He likes my banana nut muffins and apple crisp.

For a few years Uncle Tony has been battling cancer and for the past few weeks he has been in Roswell Cancer Institute preparing for a bone marrow transplant that is scheduled for Friday. Lift him up in your prayers and thoughts...

I love you Uncle Lert!