First, it is understood what it took to share what you did in this post. When reading it I felt like we were just two friends hanging out at a pub (I was having a drink at the time) talking about life. I guess what I am saying is that it is appreciated that you shared something so personal and I value it.
My mother had a twin brother. He lived a bachelors life, was married once a very short time, but had no kids. However, he had several nieces and nephews and was very beloved by all of them. He is still remembered fondly by us to this day. He filled a fatherly role for many of us growing up. Usually the fun part of the role😀. But he taught some good life lessons to me as well, and I think of him fondly too this day. There is no doubt that Smallsteps, MrBonkers and your older niece think the same of you.
Hey mate, thanks for your first paragraph. This is not something I talk about much and even here I have left so many details out, but the main theme of it is there I guess.
As an uncle I'm lucky to be able to lean more towards the fun aspect of kids, and yep they're going to get away with with me than with their parents, but it's also my role to help prepare them for their futures and I do so in many little ways. Will I discipline them? Of course. But fortunately they're good kids, raised well by their parents and there's little need for that. I hope to impart some valuable lessons and concepts to them, to be someone they turn to when they need and someone they look back on fondly as you do with your uncle.
I'm looking forward to seeing them grow up and I know I'll be proud of them, as I am now.