UNCLE BILL

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I met Uncle Bill for the first time twenty years ago. My husband and I married in
Florida and most of his family lived in upstate New York. The first opportunity we had
to go and visit was the following year, right after our daughter was born. I was very
nervous about meeting the “in-laws” Fortunately; the first person I met was Uncle Bill.
He’s a tall, broad shouldered man with a ready smile and a kind heart. He welcomed and
indoctrinated me into the family by regaling me with stories of my husband’s youth. I
learned about camping trips gone wrong, pig farming, hunting trips and even a few Navy
stories. His big bear hug made me feel like I’d known him all my life.