Is it some universal thing that we might all have one of those stranger uncles? I never really considered that I did, myself, because I hadn’t thought of Uncle Charlie is some time.
My Uncle Charlie isn’t my direct uncle, I believe he was my mum’s uncle, but we called him Uncle Charlie all the same.
For a man I haven’t thought of in years, if not a decade, he made such a huge impact in my life.
My Uncle Charlie isn’t my direct uncle, I believe he was my mum’s uncle, but we called him Uncle Charlie all the same.
For a man I haven’t thought of in years, if not a decade, he made such a huge impact in my life.
Today I remember Uncle Charlie.
What I recall about him is more a movement and a voice before I can start to picture him. I want to associate a scent with him, as well, but I’m having trouble knowing if I’ve fabricated that bit in my thoughts.
In my mind Uncle Charlie is a deplorable version of Jack Sparrow, but without the charm, the cleverness, or the savvy language. In my mind I see a man, with a jagged movement and a horrible slur (coupled with a southern accent of some sort so that I never understood him) who always seemed foul, thin, hunched, dishevelled, and in my mind (but still in question) reeking of booze.
My Uncle Charlie was the reason I never wanted to drink alcohol. In my mind he fermented at a very young (and clearly impressionable) age what the drink would turn you into. He created a fear in me.
Trouble is, was he a drunk or is this something I mislabelled him as? I really cannot recall that part, as I don’t think such matters were discussed. However, in reality it doesn’t matter if he was or wasn’t.
Regardless of the truth, he was the driving force to plant my seed of hate against alcohol (which I’m learning now to not hate: as really, one cannot hate alcohol, but instead disagree with how people use it).
In my mind Uncle Charlie is a deplorable version of Jack Sparrow, but without the charm, the cleverness, or the savvy language. In my mind I see a man, with a jagged movement and a horrible slur (coupled with a southern accent of some sort so that I never understood him) who always seemed foul, thin, hunched, dishevelled, and in my mind (but still in question) reeking of booze.
My Uncle Charlie was the reason I never wanted to drink alcohol. In my mind he fermented at a very young (and clearly impressionable) age what the drink would turn you into. He created a fear in me.
Trouble is, was he a drunk or is this something I mislabelled him as? I really cannot recall that part, as I don’t think such matters were discussed. However, in reality it doesn’t matter if he was or wasn’t.
Regardless of the truth, he was the driving force to plant my seed of hate against alcohol (which I’m learning now to not hate: as really, one cannot hate alcohol, but instead disagree with how people use it).
Excellent! It's good to dig into this. If you ever happen to recall more, feel free to post it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you will find that opening an old thought like this, later more will pour out. Don't lose it if more comes... write it down for your own sake. It helps solidify the reunion of the memory.
*high five* for starting this challenge with me! I'm proud of you!
I don't think you mislabeled him, I remember him always having a beer can in his hand
ReplyDeleteOh, yes HIGH FIVES Arsh! Thank you for inviting me to go this journey! I am very excited about this all. :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I am thinking I vaguely recall that he did, when we'd go to see Granny.
Yes, you are right, when we were at Granny's he always did. I obviously didn't mean at church.
ReplyDeletei am not too keen on alcohol either..i just don't process it very well. i don't think anyone really does. it's poison.
ReplyDeletea guy i know from my office building is getting released today after a 5 month hospital stay. he drank 4 btls. of whiskey in a week(?) and destroyed his liver. i visited him a lot as he recovered and one of the things he said is that he wants to drink still...says he can handle it on fridays... i don't drink so i was just horrified listening to him. his eyes were bright yellow and he had gained 40 lbs on his stomach (in bile from the liver failure...) and he had pachyderm (elephant) skin. he's aged 30 years. cRaZy stuff. i used to drink a lot in college. (: