Through his calling, we got to know each other just by talking, and in reality he took me under his wing and I felt as if I had someone who cared about my well-being.
He became the person I confided in, and the person who I trusted to cry with. He became my uncle chad when our relationship was questioned by others. People would see us talking and hugging and people thought something inappropriate was going on. He was warned to be careful around me, and in fact, told to stop interacting with me, but he ignored them, and "uncle chad" was born.
When I talk about him I always say uncle chad, and no one questions. Sometimes I feel as if I have to explain that he's not really my uncle, but other times I don't. I explain my surrogate father: he gave me my first blessing, has the best hugs, listens without judgement, counsels without malice. He became someone who I could trust and love knowing I would never be hurt.
I inherited an amazing family along with uncle chad: I inherited aunt christy, and cousins: Cody, Zach, and Nathaniel.
When I was leaving for college, he and his family were moving back to Utah, fairly close to where I would be attending. I was able to go and visit as I needed, and it was a good escape from the stressors of my life that were happening at the time.
He drove all the way to CA from UT to celebrate our wedding, without ever meeting Chris.
When Chris chose to get baptized, Uncle Chad drove all the way to CO to support him in his decision. I wish we would have gotten a photo with everyone, but there was so much going on, we didn't even think about it.
On this last visit we were able to sit and talk about all the different happenings going on in each of our lives. He said that family is important, and he will always be there for me.
This comment has resonated with me, ever since: family. He is family. They are family.
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