My Special Uncle

Family is a wonderful thing, and every member of a family is important. Relatives are a gift from Hashem, and did you know that not everyone has a lot of relatives? If you have grandparents, aunts, and uncles, then you are very lucky indeed. But not all aunts and uncles are the same. Some kids have more unique relatives. Read on to hear a young boy share about a special member of his  family.

Hi, My name is Shaya. I’m in second grade, and I’m the oldest in my family. I have two little sisters. My mother is also the oldest in her family. Her brothers and sisters are my aunts and uncles.

Nothing like Family

Some people have aunts and uncles that are older and married, and often have their own children. I’m sure they are great, too, but they probably are not as fun as single aunts and uncles. Those of us who have parents with younger, unmarried siblings know how great that can be! Younger, unmarried aunts and uncles (especially teenagers or even younger) often have a lot of energy to play with their nieces and nephews, and even give them presents, prizes, or treats. They aren’t busy with their own kids and families, so they usually have more time for us.

Only one of my mother’s siblings is married — her brother — and he has one baby, so I only have one cousin on my mother’s side. But having a bunch of young aunts and uncles makes up for not having lots of cousins! I love going to my Saba and Savta’s house for Shabbos because they have great toys and books, and there is always someone available to play with or read to me. And when we go to the park, my uncles come along, and they make it so much more fun.

My Uncle

Something unique about me is that I have a special uncle.

Now I’m sure your uncles (and aunts!) are also special people — they probably play with you and read to you, too. But they aren’t special in the same way my uncle is. My uncle’s name is Ezra. He is 13 years old, and he has Down syndrome.

You might know a kid in your community who has Down syndrome. Maybe you even have a classmate, or a neighbor, or a cousin who has it. My uncle with Down syndrome is my mother’s younger brother.