My Uncle Will was a decision maker. Some of his decisions might have seemed strange to the outside observer, but he never wavered when it was time to decide something. Like the time he decided he had spent enough effort trying to untangle three strands of Christmas lights. He simply got the scissors and cut them. His rationale was -- it would take less time to splice the wires back together, than to untangle the cords. Fortunately, his wife convinced him an even better idea was to go to the store and buy more lights! Nevertheless, Uncle Will had no problem making a decision.
My uncle was also a great listener. He was not threatened or intimidated by people with strong opinions - male or female. He taught me to speak my mind and never be afraid to, as he put it, "call a spade a spade."
If Uncle Will didn't like you, you knew it! He didn't believe in the behind-the-scenes character assassination and back-stabbing that is so prevalent today. Instead, he would look someone in the eye and tell them face-to-face what he thought about them.
He's been gone over twenty years and I still miss him. In today's world, there seems to be more concern with image, rather than substance. Every situation gets its own spin, and decisions aren't made for fear of hurting feelings.
Uncle Will wouldn't be happy with this. He knew that people prefer decision makers over those who back away from them, because even if you disagree with the decision, you can respect people who stand up for their convictions.
There is something to be said for men who listen to the points of view of others, but make up their own minds. I know there are still some decision makers out there because I married one. Uncle Will never got the chance to meet him, but I believe he would have approved.
