Uncle Steve

The pilot—a quick night in Minnesota and a phone call

Young Steve and Cheryl

“If I was asked to describe my dad to someone who has never met him, I would say he's not as intimidating as he looks. In fact, he is quite welcoming and thoughtful and would strike up a conversation with just about anybody.” That’s what my cousin Kristin had to say about her father when I asked her to describe Uncle Steve, and she perfectly encapsulated my perspective on my elusive uncle from Minnesota. 

I didn’t know what to expect when visiting their house in South Haven back in November. Some in my extended family were hesitant when I brought up the trip, choosing their words carefully, and letting me know that this uncle piece might be a little “more difficult” or “a tougher one.” 

Naturally, that made me more intrigued, and I later learned where some of their hesitation comes from. Again, in the words of my cousin Kristin, “Don't get me wrong, he will sometimes tell you his opinion of something, whether you agree or not…” But she followed it up with another thought that hit the nail on the head, “but at the end of the day, he's also the kind of person who cares enough to always tell you to be careful driving home and to watch for deer.” 

I went in with next-to-no information on my Uncle Steve and quickly learned that, yes, he does have some strong opinions, but I got no judgmental or negative vibes from him and found he’s very easy to converse with and has a lot of interesting hobbies. 

Anyone who used to have a pilot license is easy to chat with for a few hours. 

Unfortunately, I only got to Minnesota for a visit that one time, and Uncle Steve didn’t make a Michigan trip this summer, so I was forced to settle for that one hang-out, a phone call with prepared questions, and input from some of my cousins.

It worked out in the end, and I’m happy with the new perspective I have on good ‘ol Uncle Steve. And I’m especially happy to have had the opportunity to get to know the Jarl family.