Uncle Steve

Dear JJ,

When you were sick this week, a lot of folks expressed their concern, but one good friend of mine called - Steve.

Steve and I play golf together every Sunday morning. We call it our "church." We have known each other for 15 years, and discovered that we have a lot in common than golf.

We both love books, and reading.  When I lost several thousand books in a flood it was Steve who mourned with me.

Our political views are similar, and a few other views of life.

When I met your mom, Steve was skeptical, but then your mom, Steve, his wife Anne, and I went to dinner. A more natural group of friends is hard to find. Steve's wife Anne, like your mom, is an intelligent, articulate, worldly lady.

The first time we went out to dinner, without you, was with Steve and Anne, as was the second time. When I had my last birthday, and your mom took me to Tarbell's there were two other place-settings - she asked if I knew who was coming: on a napkin I wrote down my guess - Steve and Anne.

When we play golf, and sometimes when paired up with a father-son, I look at Steve and tell him that I look forward to when you join our golf group.  And I look forward to when you outdrive your dad by a lot on the golf course.  By the way, we might give you a few putts, but don't expect any strokes. And we play for quarters, so bring your piggy bank when you come to play with us.

It is nice to have good friends, son. Your Uncle Steve is a good one. Oh- and don't focus on your long-drives in golf - you will beat them all with your putting and your short game.

Love,

Dad

Happy You're Better

Dear JJ,

It started out with the miserable flu we shared in November.  We suffered through it, and both had lingering coughs - but your mom was worried about yours.

Then last week you started getting congested, coughing more, and more, and waking up coughing. You developed a fever, one time to over 101.7, and when you get sick you stop being a two year old with a lot of energy, and like to lay on the couch and watch TV (or act more like your father than your mother).

When we took you to the pediatrician for a Saturday appointment you have no idea how many bad thoughts went through my head. Antibiotics started with a shot, and continue with medicine.

Last night you had a good night, waking up only once with a cough.  Your eyes started to regain their sparkle yesterday afternoon - and you even convinced me to get in the bathtub with you, where you discovered you could splash your dad and laugh.

I'm so happy you are better son. So happy.

Love,

Dad

Daycare: Its ok to wait

Overlooking Anchorage from the Captain Cook Hotel - goodnight moon

JJ loves whales

Dear JJ,

While in Anchorage your mom and I had to both work, so we were lucky to get a spot in the Daycare on the campus of SouthCentral Foundation. You cried when you realized we were leaving.

I had some staff check on you, and you were doing just fine when we left.  The daycare lady said that when you got your milk you raised your glass and said, "Cheers!"

When we got back you cried when you saw us.

The next day, it was the same thing.

I kept thinking-that in two and a half years and you have been able to spend all your time with family, and now were starting to be watched over by others. My little boy. It stressed me.

On the last day we asked you, "Do you want to go to the Daycare?"

You said, "No."

I smiled. You are growing up, son - but its ok to slow down a bit. I'll take time to watch you if your mom can't.

Love,

Dad

Oh- you and I spent an afternoon at the park down the street. You got to pet three dogs, collect an armful of pinecones, make a pile for the sticks, and got your dad to go down the slide with you.

Climbing up without fear

Loving the slide coming down

That last step makes me tingle

And best of all you wanted daddy to come slide with you