Hey Pops
Dad,
I cannot believe it’s been 8 years already. It’s been a weird morning so far, but I am glad I am at the hospital today. This hospital is the last place I saw you, and somewhere I still feel close to you. As I parked and walked into the building, the car that transports deceased patients from the hospital was near my entrance and they were taking someone out of the building. It was a surreal moment as that must have been the same process for you, just 8 years ago.
Anyway, a lot has happened this past year. Matthew completed his first year of little league and now is in single A. He loves playing first base and this kid will play catch with me all night if I let him. It’s cool, he likes to sit up and watch ESPN or replays of MLB games from the day before. I remember doing that with you like it was yesterday. And just like you, he could care less who was playing. He just loves the game. I think back to a lot of our conversations about sports, and I am working with him on being a leader. I remember you used to say the same thing to me. You did not care if I was the best or worst player out there, but I needed to be an example of sportsmanship. It probably did not seem like I was listening at the time, but I remember every word. He is just about done with kindergarten too and I think he is doing great. All the little girls are always yelling out his name and he is shy, but he loves it! He is making friends and seems to really enjoy school. You would be so proud of him. I sure am!
Peyton. I do not know where to start. She is a handful still, but has the most amazing personality. She turned 3 this past year and is still going to the same preschool. She too is making a lot of friends. I am afraid everyday of her getting older and not knowing what to do. Sam will keep her under control. She is a lot like Sam which is amazing. Strong-willed, unafraid to be herself, and independent. And like Sam, she is sweet and kind and will make you smile even on your worst days. She did gymnastics for a while. That was interesting to say the least. A perfect example of her marching to the beat of her drum as the class would be stretching and she’d be on the opposite side of the gym doing somersaults. We went on a trip to Myrtle Beach, and you would love watching her wake up, quickly change into her bathing suit, and be ready for the beach by 8 am. I love her so much!
Connor is a lot like Matthew. He just turned 2. He also loves sports, and basically wakes up with a baseball bat or mitt in his hands. He too will watch sports and just wants to be like his big brother. It’s awesome to see. I think about how much fun you would have throwing him the ball over-and-over-and-over again. He is super sweet and soaks up everything by watching his siblings. I feel bad, as he is the third kid and I hope I give him enough attention. But I see a lot of your personality in him. I have a feeling he will be my fishing buddy.
Sam is doing great. She is still a director at an outpatient clinic, and we share an office at another clinic where we do therapy. She is the most amazing mother I could have ever envisioned for my kids. I am still convinced she has superpowers. Oh yeah, I almost forgot! We took a trip to Utah in October. You were right, it really is the most beautiful place! I saw the Air Force Base you were stationed at. What an awesome place! I hope we can make our way out to New Mexico in the next few years as I know you talked about that a lot too.
I am doing well. I miss you, but I think you’d be proud of me. Hopefully at least! I quit one of my jobs to focus more on being better at home. Great decision! I wish we could crack open a bottle of bud light platinum together, but I will have one tonight for the both of us. Oh, if you could send me a little guidance on this kitchen project that I need to start, I would appreciate it. One of those many times your expertise would be needed! Well, I think I covered the big things for the year. Hope you are doing well, Dad.
I love and miss you.
Jason
