Uncle Deanie

When she was younger, my cousin Allison’s daughter Callie called my mom “Uncle Deanie” instead of “Aunt Denalyn.” The Deanie part, understandable. Denalyn is difficult for most adults to pronounce. The Uncle part, hilarious. And so it’s stuck for several years and often times I, my sisters and brother-in-law affectionately refer to my mom as Uncle Deanie, or sometimes just Dean for short (I’ve never actually written out these nicknames before, so I’m spelling phonetically). This nickname says a couple of important things about my mom. For one, she knows how to laugh at herself –a characteristic so necessary in life–and embrace something like being referred to as an uncle. Second, nicknames are a term of endearment, so the fact she has two that we use so frequently shows she is so endeared to us.

Last year I wrote a letter to my mom on my blog in honor of Mother’s Day, and this year I did, too, but I mailed it to her. Yes, like a real letter. Well, it was a letter inside a handmade card, which has been a Lucado tradition for as long I can remember: homemade cards and usually breakfast in bed. I’m not home on Mother’s Day this year (nor was I last year), so we had to settle for a couple of quick phone conversations and a special Andrea Creation card mailed from Tennessee.

But I’ve carried Uncle Deanie around with me in my heart all day, as I do every day, whether aware or not.

[slideshow]

[Play slideshow above.]

I love you, mom.

No Comments

  1. Denalyn on May 10, 2010 at 4:26 am

    I’m so blessed to be your mom. Thank you for your very precious words. I love you

  2. jenna on May 10, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    best mom in the world!!
    well said.

  3. Charlotte on May 10, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Found your blog on your Dad’s “tweet”. You are a very blessed lady. I enjoyed this tribute to Uncle Deanie. I heard your Dad several times at Pepperdine and at the North American Christian Convention. I’ll never forget the story of the little bird and the vacuum cleaner.

  4. Robb Clanton on May 10, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    Tell your mom I said hello. Got this from your dad’s tweet too.

  5. Edu Reis on May 10, 2010 at 8:04 pm

    Grace and Peace, Andrea

    I love Max Lucado’s books, every word, every sentence, every chapter of the books make me be very blessed! To the extent possible, I’m trying to buy all the books from Max Lucado!

    God bless your life!

  6. Paula Pedrosa on May 10, 2010 at 9:41 pm

    Got it from your father twitter. That was so sweet.
    You are so blessed for the parents you have. Tell your mom congratulations for the daughter she has.
    Brasil – Amazonas – Manaus

  7. Alyssa on May 11, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    I tip my hat to her as well. In fact, my life is blessed by each one of you! Miss seeing you girl, but trust the Lord has you right in the middle of work He’s already blessed!

  8. Rijuta on May 13, 2010 at 4:59 pm

    Simplicity is what one desires in emotions and simplicity is what touched and impressed in this note.

    I stay with my mom and when we part even for a day or two, we talk on phone for long. Then I realize how much I miss her.

    Moms are adorable!!!

  9. Rijuta on May 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    Simplicity is what one desires in emotions and simplicity is what touched and impressed in this note.

    I stay with my mom and when we part even for a day or two, we talk on phone for long. Then I realize how much I miss her.

    Moms are adorable!!!

  10. Patricia on May 23, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    Hey precious dear,

    just to say that God loves you and your family SO MUCH and He has the best for you. Keep following Jesus, our Dad.

    Patricia, from Brazil

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