Norm: My Childhood Hero and His Enduring Influence

Who among us doesn’t have a childhood hero? For me, that person was my uncle Norman. My memories of him are some of the happiest and most cherished moments from my childhood, and his legacy still resonates profoundly to this day.

From Baby to Adored Brother

I was under one year old when my parents welcomed me into the extended family household. My youngest uncle, Norman, was just seventeen when I joined the family. He was still living with his mother. Despite his age, he had a profound impact on my life. His love for me was evident, but not in the way I expected. I wasn’t allowed to call him 'Uncle' – it made him feel too old. So he was simply 'Norm' to me, and I was his 'Cherry'.

The Enchanting Norman

Norman had a magnetic personality that drew many to him. He possessed a beautiful singing voice and, on numerous occasions, he would serenade me, ultimately falling asleep himself. This was a particular recollection from one night where he reclined beside my bed, singing lullabies. His self-deprecating behavior was also endearing. I believe he had a date with a very charming lady, but somehow, he didn't make the best impression. Norm’s self-reflection and wit made him lovable.

Kindling a Love for Reading and the Unknown

Norman not only influenced me through his singing and company. He was a passionate advocate for reading and often introduced me to books that expanded my horizons. Edgar Allan Poe, the Dalai Lama, Bram Stoker, and Dennis Wheatley became my mentors in the realms of literature and the occult. We would sit together on the side veranda, huddled closely, discussing topics that were strictly forbidden in the rest of the household. These conversations instilled in me a fascination with otherworldly and esoteric subjects, something I might not have discovered on my own.

The Jokester with a Heart

Norman was also a big joker. He once convinced me that the South Pole was so frigid that it caused icicles to form from one's saliva. This playful misdirection added a layer of fun and imagination to his already vibrant personality. Another memorable event was when he calmed a newborn baby with 'mystical' hand movements without touching her. This display of skill further endeared him to me and left me in awe of his abilities.

The Prank Comes Full Circle

As I grew older, so did our relationship. When Norman found his true love and later became a father, he still remained a constant presence in my life. He insisted that I would be his flower girl at his wedding, and it was an honor (though I was slightly apprehensive about the idea of him not living within the same house anymore). The promise to visit often was comforting, and his new home, just a few blocks away, would always be visible from the front gate. He and his wife would live on the top floor, the only double-story house in our neighborhood.

The Continued Legacy of Norman

As the years passed, the memory of Norman remained a cherished part of my life. His enchanting stories, his love for reading, and his mysterious hand movements continued to inspire and captivate me. Even now, as an adult, I can vividly recall the moments spent in his company, and I am grateful for the lessons and memories he left behind. Norman, my childhood hero, remains a part of my life and spirit, a constant reminder of the goodness and magic in the world.