They say friends are the family we choose, but Al was chosen for me back in 5th grade. 💔
From the gymnastics floor where my dad nicknamed him ‘Twinkle Toes,’ to the halls of high school where I’d stick for him a million times, he was always there. He was the life of every party, the loudest voice in the room, and the person who would call my parents in a heartbeat if he thought I was headed down the wrong path. He truly cared.
The last 5 years were different. I was busy being a mom in Florida; he was busy living life to the fullest back home. Our lives were in two different places, but our hearts never were. I’ll always cherish 2020—that year where the world stopped and we got to spend every single day together without a care in the world.
My kids loved their ‘Uncle Al.’ Jayden still sleeps every night with the stuffed animal Al cherished—originally named Biscuit, now ‘Rocket.’ It’s a little piece of him that we get to keep. 🧸
I am so incredibly thankful for our visit in May and for the FaceTime call we shared just this past Sunday. I didn’t know it would be our last call.
Rest easy, Al. I hope you’re dancing and showing them how it’s done. I’ll miss you every day. 🕊️✨
Reflecting on friendships like that of Uncle Al reveals how deeply such connections enrich our lives. Friends who become family often hold a unique place in our hearts—they share our milestones, support us during challenges, and create joyful memories across years. From childhood nicknames like ‘Twinkle Toes’ to the protective care that led Al to call the author’s parents when needed, this story highlights the many roles that a close friend can play. It’s remarkable how, even when physical distance increases, the emotional bond does not weaken. This is particularly evident during significant shared moments, such as the unexpected pause of 2020, which allowed the author and Al to reconnect daily, strengthening their relationship. Passing such a friend’s legacy onto the next generation reinforces the longevity of these connections. By naming a cherished stuffed animal ‘Rocket,’ symbolizing Al’s spirit, the family keeps his memory alive and tangible for the children. This practice—passing along tokens of love and memory—is a meaningful way to preserve history within a family. From personal experience, I’ve found that honoring those we’ve lost involves celebrating their impact on our lives regularly. Simple acts like sharing stories, revisiting old photos, or continuing traditions linked to them keep their memory vibrant and comforting. Likewise, maintaining communication, even virtually, can sustain relationships when distance or life circumstances change, much as the author and Al did through FaceTime. In the end, friendships like these teach us about compassion, loyalty, and the importance of living life fully. They remind us to cherish our loved ones while we have them and to hold onto their influence long after. Uncle Al’s story is a poignant reminder that some friends are indeed chosen family and that their impact lasts forever.
❤️