Uncle's Day, I say

Today is June 20, Father's Day in the U.S.A., and a worthy institution. I'd like to put in a bid for an Uncle's Day too, especially for those of us who aren't fathers.

I'm uncle to several guys and girls and, to many of their friends too, to whom I'm forever known as "Uncle Stanley" (last name unmentioned). Uncle's Day doesn't need to be cause for gifts or contributions to some swell charity, just an acknowledgment that uncles too can have a positive impact on a niece or nephew.

Lacking a good relationship with my father, while he was alive, I now have a good relationship with my Uncle Morris, age 100, nearly 101. He will be the last of his generation in my family, and I've come to sit in awe of his longevity and clarity of mind. He's become a sort-of-fill-in-Father.

Come to think of it, I should have called to wish him a Happy Uncle's Day today.