What this picture is
This is a picture of my Uncle Bob. He's the adult. He is wearing a suit complete with a vest and tie. Looks like he has a nice hooded parka on. The two children in the Packer stocking caps are my brother Kevin and me. The cute girl in the front with the fancier head piece is our sister Sheila. Next to Sheila making the grimace is our brother Pat. He always could get us to laugh.
We are at the airport in Appleton, Wisconsin, where I grew up. We are standing in front of the vending machines at the airport.
Each of us kids has candy in our hand or pocket freshly provided by Uncle Bob, right before this photo was taken by our mom, his sister. Why I saved this picture Whenever our Uncle Bob came to visit us, it was a big occasion. He lived in California and then in New York, places we had never been that seemed way cooler than our hometown. Each visit would include an outing to the movie theatre. There he would buy us candy, which was a big treat! We sometimes went to the movies with our parents or friends, but we never were allowed to get concessions. He not only bought us treats, but he would also say, "you need to eat so much candy that you are too sick to go to school tomorrow!" We would laugh and cheer! Each visit, we would soak up the special attention received from our uncle. He would tell us what things were like where he lived. We loved hearing about his life. It was like no one else we knew.
Go See Your People
It is surely an effort to get on a plane and visit family, friends or your team members. Know that is an effort that will be appreciated for years to come, especially if it becomes a ritual that includes special and out-of-the-ordinary outings together. It is during these times you acknowledge your connection and make lasting moments that matter.
Key Points
Relationships are strengthened through presence — making the effort to show up in person creates memories and bonds that last for years.
Small rituals and shared experiences signal care and belonging, reminding people they matter beyond convenience or obligation.