People say it takes a village to raise a child. We’ve all heard that phrase, but how often do we stop to consider what it really means? As we approach National Aunt and Uncle’s Day on July 26, I’d like to share my version of that village—because for me, it started with family.
This day may not come with parades or parties, and you won’t find much about it online. But if you’re looking for a way to honor the often-unsung heroes in your life, here’s a suggestion: tell their story.
Growing Up in a True Village
I was raised in an actual village—one with just a couple hundred people when I was a kid. Daycare didn’t exist back then. Fortunately, I had uncles who stepped up to help my grandma open one. Around their day jobs, they made sure she could care for me and dozens of other kids. That little act of sacrifice made a generational impact. To this day, I know over 50 adults who still call them “uncle.”
Aunts Who Shaped the Way I See the World
My maternal grandparents raised their niece as one of their own. Technically, she’s my cousin. But for nearly 40 years, she’s been “Aunt.” She introduced me to the joy of books, the challenge of Scrabble, and the beauty of a well-told nursery rhyme—ones I now sing to my own nieces. Another aunt walked me to the school bus every day and eventually bought me my first suit when I finally traded in high-vis shirts for a professional career. Without her, I doubt I’d be writing this article today.
The Uncles Who Taught Me to Build—and Be
One uncle taught me construction. Another shaped my understanding of agriculture. A third showed me the intersection between hard work and creative design. They weren’t always gentle, but they were always kind. They’ve remained my closest confidants and most trusted mentors.
Passing It On
Because of them, I know how to weld, run a lathe, frame a house, and even braid my daughters’ hair. I learned grit and grace in equal measure. And that came in handy, because 12 years ago, I became an uncle to a little girl born into a situation that needed more than just holiday visits and birthday cards. Two years later, her sister arrived.
Life didn’t exactly prepare me to raise girls, but thanks to the village that raised me, I knew how to raise people. My aunts and uncles taught me that. I just hope the lessons I’m passing down serve my girls as well as they served me.
So today, if you’re lucky enough to still have your aunts and uncles around, reach out. Tell them what stuck. Thank them for what mattered. Share their story. Because sometimes, the best way to celebrate someone… is simply to remember them well.
