maybe we could go with her family moved next door from the start, or with him being close to some of that family before, say another uncle, aunt, cousin, or even a grandparent? with what you've given, i could see him as someone that really thinks turned out the way people should be, rather than his complaints of kids these days. also honored he even got a part in it or seeing it. he has a stronghold in family, even as pseudo and if she ever needed anything, he would give it no questions asked. end up with a gift every major holiday, and all of that. and he's great for storytelling.