This morning I received a call from my niece, Paula. “I have some good news. What do you think it is?”

I immediately assumed she was engaged. It’s something we’ve been waiting on, knew was most likely coming. She and Tom are a great match. Tom’s a great guy. I totally approve. But yet, I was afraid to guess and say, “You’re engaged?” So I hemmed and hawed, while Paula said, “Oh come on, you know.” Finally I said, “Did you get a ring?”

“Yes!” And she then proceeded to tell me how and where and etc.

Tom and Paula have been dating for a couple years now. Last summer, Tom was part of our family vacation in Gatlinburg (to celebrate my parents’ 50th anniversary). The picture above shows Tom and Paula on a trolley the day we all went to the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. In front of them are Stu and Joyce, Paula’s parents (Stu is my brother).

One evening Paula asked me, “So what do you think of Tom? He says you’re kind of hard to read, and he’s not sure what you think of him.”

I told Paula, “I’ve liked Tom from the moment I met him.” And it’s true. I think it’s great that he was interested in the approval of me, a mere uncle. He’s a good Christian guy from a good Christian home, a hard-working fellow, and I’m sure he and Paula will have a great life together. And I’ll enjoy having him around.