"Even Steven" - The Tao of Steve

For as long as I can remember he's been here. While it has been several years since I've seen him, it is not hard to picture what he has been doing since we last talked. He has been quietly and consistently providing love and support to his family. Whether his children or grandchildren, nieces or nephews, Uncle Steve Champ has been there.

We didn't live very far from Aunt Francie and Uncle Steve, a few blocks via bike across Chandler. It was in their pool that I first learned to swim, and around their pool that 13 years ago we gathered to celebrate Julie and my marriage. The groomsman, Mike, Jeff, Jim and Scott still talk to this day about the days following where they played with family and friends. Our family is like that, guests become part of the family and continue to feel welcome even years after. There isn't a time that I see those guys that they don't talk about the pool party after our wedding.

Growing up there were pools parties at the Champs and eventually at our house and others. Uncle Steve and Aunt Francie were fixtures at those parties and would be quick with a joke or a smile. While I don't specifically recall ever telling either how much I love them or their presence. I always knew they loved me.

These past few weeks I've been thinking a lot about our family and about Uncle Steve and Aunt Francie. I have been left with many impressions and memories that fly through my head. Some will make sense to others, some not so much. Most of these have exceeded the statute of limitations in most states, so since I'm not certain which data center is serving this, we're likely safe. :)

• The Skull Club - Dawn was the leader - who was to know Skull and Bones was already a secret society. An early rule: Don't kick the skull.
• Margie Winchell - She survived not only the Champs, but the Forths and many many more
• Dragonflies don't bite, and I caught all Aunt Francie had in the yard one day.
• Arnold Boy - Proudly delivering prescriptions to the most/least desireable apartments in North Hollywood - I learned a lot those years...by the way, the seatbelt was a rope that we tied across ourselves.
• I got sick one night while staying the night at the Champs when I was about 12. I still won't try Tasters Choice International Coffee again to this day.
  
• Playing Toss with Timothy...Quick John, let's see if he can touch the tree branches.
  
• The quiet, consistent, even temperament of Uncle Steve. From where I sit, he lived a life dedicated to his family, consistently doing all he needed to do to provide.
• Riding in the camper with the older cousins
• The RV
  

As I mentioned earlier, it's been a while since we last spoke and for that I am sorry. He left an impression on me and on all of us. We are all better off having had the privilige of knowing him and being touched by his life.