tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48445641696479835152024-02-07T05:22:41.731-08:00babymakes3A blog of letters from an older father to his young son... Meant for an audience of one- shared with you. terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-51201431025773272422021-02-10T11:45:00.003-08:002021-02-11T04:11:18.166-08:00Oh my your ten almost 11 and the year that was 2020<p> Dear JJ,</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh2yQ7aD4IqkQ8HbOmGN2Lr8riGcVcwd0qcHLArdpJDuRzvvPV5R2_Nlhjp3kzLep8WKerj5xNftwLhnNowW1AJR_uuIv4QUZrD1pQUTJVi3IycPiowbwrpGBEHYrw9Ys9F-zs2BOW2-a/s4032/E897B74C-E3C1-44E5-9099-90348085701C.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXh2yQ7aD4IqkQ8HbOmGN2Lr8riGcVcwd0qcHLArdpJDuRzvvPV5R2_Nlhjp3kzLep8WKerj5xNftwLhnNowW1AJR_uuIv4QUZrD1pQUTJVi3IycPiowbwrpGBEHYrw9Ys9F-zs2BOW2-a/s320/E897B74C-E3C1-44E5-9099-90348085701C.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ with Pup Club 2021</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>You will find when you are a dad that sometimes you think you will write things or blog things and you end up living life instead. So, this has been an “interesting” year. And, if you have heard me at all, you know that “interesting” is never a good word.</p><p><br /></p><p>We Moved:</p><p>I worked hard to get a job in California and somehow it all pulled together so in the first of 2020 we moved from our house - the only house you ever knew - to a new place that we are renting in Ventura. I started to work with another weight los surgeon, out of his office and it was great. I was working pretty hard and pretty long hours, but loved it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORQ8kuDDnwINmgZH-fC2EIkg7yUFB6QpgUOsLRB3ukZSOwoUI8n1J7bB4XdGg6oJ4OeAeKZ7OUsb8rKCFJWb44o4i_pZ1teObwIP8ricQgQphtdWZzjIFkMZVRY-2dBRzqXoFpjsJFQFF/s5956/897363D8-65C9-45E0-B055-1FFA3D7B5148.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3822" data-original-width="5956" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORQ8kuDDnwINmgZH-fC2EIkg7yUFB6QpgUOsLRB3ukZSOwoUI8n1J7bB4XdGg6oJ4OeAeKZ7OUsb8rKCFJWb44o4i_pZ1teObwIP8ricQgQphtdWZzjIFkMZVRY-2dBRzqXoFpjsJFQFF/s320/897363D8-65C9-45E0-B055-1FFA3D7B5148.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A pandemic:</p><p>COVID19 hit our shores by the end of January. I had to take a trip back to Phoenix and was so worried I drove instead of flying. Since mom and dad had not come with us it was a great chance to see them both in their assisted living home, and mom in the memory care center. I didn’t know that it would be the last time I would see my mom alive. </p><p><br /></p><p>The Bad</p><p>My mom died - she died the day after Valentine’s Day in 2020. I was lucky enough to have seen her two weeks before she died. She had suffered from dementia. So I made a quick trip back to Phoenix where we arranged for mom’s cremation, packed up dad, and then dad went with Ron to Oregon for a couple of weeks before coming back to Ventura for five months.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM4Vk9aj9JM9bpTJJaLuvKe5wRqTTO29ud3jZau6-AqH3KSjRIrjed9ll_nVyS9F25ePDBe_qUX9qU11zUqdWphYV0ZTRyY86IvTi4cqHTd1WifqhyphenhyphenMp82m6zi5_R_Vbpct8HerqVAOM0/s4032/C4AEBDB5-4728-467A-A097-59667CD1A44F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXM4Vk9aj9JM9bpTJJaLuvKe5wRqTTO29ud3jZau6-AqH3KSjRIrjed9ll_nVyS9F25ePDBe_qUX9qU11zUqdWphYV0ZTRyY86IvTi4cqHTd1WifqhyphenhyphenMp82m6zi5_R_Vbpct8HerqVAOM0/s320/C4AEBDB5-4728-467A-A097-59667CD1A44F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLvzvIXABXJVHVNq-Y1Fe5-q7WgCGb7OkOpIaLz-KKZUDBesdW76ZpuC5GSVrxMe9l6S_8aAGgpzrbE6IVcdU0yz4TUYLN4pDD2GK8S_qViey7Q-tSiejPvMb3hHwW75bvXw1eR2EVROn/s4032/8744CF35-48E8-43A9-B586-AE5C17F62D74.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLvzvIXABXJVHVNq-Y1Fe5-q7WgCGb7OkOpIaLz-KKZUDBesdW76ZpuC5GSVrxMe9l6S_8aAGgpzrbE6IVcdU0yz4TUYLN4pDD2GK8S_qViey7Q-tSiejPvMb3hHwW75bvXw1eR2EVROn/s320/8744CF35-48E8-43A9-B586-AE5C17F62D74.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little did I know this was my last time with mom and the last time I would see mo many dad together</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>California:</p><p>Because of the pandemic your school stopped except for online. Mom became your teacher, mother, and her favorite job - gym teacher taking you surfing. The hard part was you were just starting baseball and getting to know people and then it was all shut down.</p><p><br /></p><p>Arizona visits:</p><p>Thankfully our friends from Arizona came - and that and FaceTime with them made your life easier. You miss Arizona a lot. You miss the house, you miss your friends, your school. Mom doesn’t miss Arizona but I do miss it - I had lived there since 1991.</p><p>Hawaii Cut Short:</p><p>We went on a trip to Hawaii, were there for three days when we had to leave because of COVID19. The good part - you got some scuba gear on in the swimming pool and were a natural at it. Taking off. When we arrived back in California the state had issued a “shelter in place” order - the freeway was the most empty I have ever seen it.</p><p>September</p><p>School reopened in Fourth Grade with an exemption for you in September. You started to enjoy school a bit and found some new friends. You don’t like typing, cursive and you and I do math together in the mornings.</p><p>December the end of 2020</p><p>On December 31st my job ended and I started being a solo-doctor again, but covering with Dr. Billy.</p><p>2021 Starts</p><p> I began doing some wound care out of town - and really enjoyed doing it. The great thing was I could come home at night and not worry about a phone call from the days activity. </p><p>Most elective surgery was stopped because of an uptick in COVID cases. But slowly starting again in February.</p><p>Pup Club</p><p>In the middle of the pandemic you organized our neighborhood dogs - who you got to know. Every Wednesday they come to our end of the street and have treats, play with each other, and we get to know the neighbors. We are all masked, but it is amazing you did that - it has saved our neighborhood. All the folks on our block on Foster love you and love watching you. </p><p>You are Growing</p><p>You test us sometimes - but you are so nice and sweet and happy. Your mom and I could not be more proud of you and the young man you are becoming. </p><p>We Found Golf</p><p>For months here I didn’t golf - then somehow you got me out to the public links again and you and I enjoy our time. Funny, I don’t remember those long cases I did, but I remember our golf games. You still want to drive the cart - I guess I have to see this as what is going to happen when you get a drivers permit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl64M0dpBavmsrZ6MauzMX-yNur5slhPJMxblbbCwyIJlSofm0M_ZnCAPTkuZA35OsVtteCIXxkVZ6BNPrI7XDW6pealUOkyiw9dqUTkNW45zlQ3F8Msu076ciMQr9DFLwL3bQrTXpK31/s3019/3B386A87-7ACF-4314-A72D-167CD0690046.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3019" data-original-width="3019" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl64M0dpBavmsrZ6MauzMX-yNur5slhPJMxblbbCwyIJlSofm0M_ZnCAPTkuZA35OsVtteCIXxkVZ6BNPrI7XDW6pealUOkyiw9dqUTkNW45zlQ3F8Msu076ciMQr9DFLwL3bQrTXpK31/s320/3B386A87-7ACF-4314-A72D-167CD0690046.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzX8T8AZ3sMb1f3MiNc0Rk-XFB0daTwbm-P3D0s_mya7y21qxb954-jyDyGEFUhrlU2mxKEiq3MNQkJj_8vGnCERrjlrnpYBpxNRccxqa3y4lyWCQSQwXQW_80pgpGiYl_hYw80njZtZT/s4032/56C04FE1-BDE3-4B4C-B469-A8ED3805559D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzX8T8AZ3sMb1f3MiNc0Rk-XFB0daTwbm-P3D0s_mya7y21qxb954-jyDyGEFUhrlU2mxKEiq3MNQkJj_8vGnCERrjlrnpYBpxNRccxqa3y4lyWCQSQwXQW_80pgpGiYl_hYw80njZtZT/s320/56C04FE1-BDE3-4B4C-B469-A8ED3805559D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We love you JJ. You bring joy to us every day. </p><p><br /></p><p>Dad</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-3593497732247488592019-07-18T11:22:00.000-07:002019-07-18T11:22:04.770-07:00Rules to live byDear JJ,<br />
<br />
Ever since I started to write this blog it has been a lot about love, mine for you and your mother. I wanted you to know how much I love you. Thoughts that go through my head.<br />
But someone wrote a list of rules out for their son, and after reading through it- well, I modified a few of them and decided if you wanted any bit of wisdom - or advice - here it is.<br />
<br />
Now I have to work on your birthday<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down.<br />
- stand up<br />
2. Don’t enter a pool by the stairs.<br />
- we always cannonball<br />
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3. The man at the BBQ Grill is the closest thing to a king.<br />
4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer.<br />
5. Request the late check-out.<br />
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.<br />
7. Hold your heroes to a higher standard.<br />
8. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas.<br />
9. Play with passion or don’t play at all…<br />
10. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look them in the eye.<br />
11. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be.<br />
12. If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point.<br />
13. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her.<br />
14. You marry the girl, you marry her family.<br />
15. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath.<br />
16. Experience the serenity of traveling alone.<br />
17. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room.<br />
18. Never turn down a breath mint.<br />
19. A sport coat is worth 1000 words.<br />
20. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising.<br />
21. Thank a veteran. Then make it up to him.<br />
--Grandpa Simpson - always the example<br />
22. Eat lunch with the new kid.<br />
-- someday you may be that new kid<br />
23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.<br />
24. Ask your mum to play. She won’t let you win.<br />
--do you even have to question this one?<br />
25. Manners maketh the man.<br />
26. Give credit. Take the blame.<br />
27. Stand up to Bullies. Protect those bullied.<br />
28. Write down your dreams.<br />
29. Take time to snuggle your pets, they love you so much and are always happy to see you.<br />
--Lucky, the best dog - but there will be other dogs. Never forget they will wait all day for you and are going to be happier than anyone else who waits for you<br />
30. Be confident and humble at the same time.<br />
31. If ever in doubt, remember whose son you are and REFUSE to just be ordinary!<br />
32. In all things lead by example not explanation.<br />
33. Vulnerability is ok and isnt anything to be ashamed about.<br />
34. It’s not weak to speak.terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-10156335595201796902019-07-08T10:08:00.005-07:002019-07-08T10:08:46.511-07:00It has been way too longDear JJ,<br />
<br />
This has been kind of a rough year. In March I was hospitalized for pneumonia and spent several days in the hospital. It was hard on you to see your dad there. <br />
<br />
Then later I had a small lesion taken off my nose and the results came back as a cancer - thankfully that changed and it was benign.<br />
<br />
In those moments when I thought I had a disease that would take me from you, I thought of how I just want to spend as much time as I can with you in whatever time I had left.<br />
<br />
So I am looking forward to coming to Canada for your birthday - nine years old. It turns out you have been away from Phoenix since May 27th. Even though I see you almost daily on the phone it isn't quite the same. And a couple of days after I leave you and your mother are coming back to Phoenix.<br />
<br />
At first I felt guilty about you coming back - the weather here is miserable. Then I realized - I miss you terribly, and your mother, and time is one thing I can't make up for, something I can't buy.<br />
<br />
So, I promise to swim with you in the pool and in a couple of weeks you will start school.<br />
See you soon,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun place to catch bugs- this from a couple of years ago</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this year in Canada - ah, lots to keep you busy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have always had a special relationship with Gigi</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSOvtvGk3Fhhs0ciI-XPylupp4t47G5j5V0QUjpjonxtBY1vY2N4AMEOASxv8SLW_WTGivjB8edRRvaJSIRvlsBbmMVgtus_4Fo95MwrV5J_JZl4LHg896IXBGIPUio5hyoJfzSzN8Xzm/s1600/65143324_10156484112295686_7864552578921529344_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSOvtvGk3Fhhs0ciI-XPylupp4t47G5j5V0QUjpjonxtBY1vY2N4AMEOASxv8SLW_WTGivjB8edRRvaJSIRvlsBbmMVgtus_4Fo95MwrV5J_JZl4LHg896IXBGIPUio5hyoJfzSzN8Xzm/s400/65143324_10156484112295686_7864552578921529344_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring Lake Ontario- even a shipwreck you have touched </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poppop is the best</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYDS68yitNM9QDKVNC7vcvSLFjJZNt52-BwBMngDua4feyVYRORWSAzkH0hjehI4BiNt87C2AkMtwek2XQEnxaHpDMuq3ircT54BnDRt9sAtllgDTpTuIcntHKihweR6CjZgVq86_bteY/s1600/65289057_10156484112770686_6987802973300588544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYDS68yitNM9QDKVNC7vcvSLFjJZNt52-BwBMngDua4feyVYRORWSAzkH0hjehI4BiNt87C2AkMtwek2XQEnxaHpDMuq3ircT54BnDRt9sAtllgDTpTuIcntHKihweR6CjZgVq86_bteY/s1600/65289057_10156484112770686_6987802973300588544_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW3XplflYgvNuAnVHJ1ikJ1WAmo_YCpODM0UIS4Vii0kg0suqH5xRQY_DXqXlGWhQ36Vxz6R5dblY3olpCMQZIdKYSI7zMViqW6tXSG3lNxbl5h6802MTtadS3cUAtEYRxFbMuYezUpiK/s1600/65626088_10156484113875686_6045669736207876096_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW3XplflYgvNuAnVHJ1ikJ1WAmo_YCpODM0UIS4Vii0kg0suqH5xRQY_DXqXlGWhQ36Vxz6R5dblY3olpCMQZIdKYSI7zMViqW6tXSG3lNxbl5h6802MTtadS3cUAtEYRxFbMuYezUpiK/s400/65626088_10156484113875686_6045669736207876096_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lake is too much fun</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDFOVzxY-Rf5FYOlu77WJGFPp7BaAKmwOTHkjoapFMU0ty0iaJhLr763zwINc7TRWyULCl9pQhvlvnRsh90eLgVB-NlBIhNUQ8pp86g_9WzW5OeBokh-Qd4km4iqUgBj71td9XxtoOC_W/s1600/IMG_2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDFOVzxY-Rf5FYOlu77WJGFPp7BaAKmwOTHkjoapFMU0ty0iaJhLr763zwINc7TRWyULCl9pQhvlvnRsh90eLgVB-NlBIhNUQ8pp86g_9WzW5OeBokh-Qd4km4iqUgBj71td9XxtoOC_W/s400/IMG_2636.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While you were in Canada your dad found time to be on a wreck and I look forward to you learning scuba and joining your mom and I for more adventrues</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-54847733083593853892019-01-28T07:22:00.003-08:002019-01-28T07:22:47.721-08:00My Golf Buddy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKdPeD0DvIeVekbVUYO0CwxToFVrfPy_cP87KJP9ViXIuN-yt-KPoNQwEJ_1t9Tnvr7luQYuVq0aLIhwvpYsUSvi8LX-F4ndUYCybgWKYDtru4IlmHHrjpQZ3y0iW8pNHmNYEznRE-lxP/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKdPeD0DvIeVekbVUYO0CwxToFVrfPy_cP87KJP9ViXIuN-yt-KPoNQwEJ_1t9Tnvr7luQYuVq0aLIhwvpYsUSvi8LX-F4ndUYCybgWKYDtru4IlmHHrjpQZ3y0iW8pNHmNYEznRE-lxP/s400/IMG_1106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Golf Buddy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
For the last few months, on Sunday morning, you want to come golfing with me and Uncle Steve. You are learning, but you are enthusiastic. Sometimes I thought - oh, if I could just get an adult golf day. Then I saw you as you had just hit a shot, with a big smile on your face and I realized: in a few years you will be an adult, you may want to golf with your friends - so I have this amazing boy who loves to be with his daddy.<br />
<br />
I can't wait to take you out next Sunday<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dadterrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-79241871562296245402018-11-14T13:42:00.003-08:002018-11-14T13:42:31.579-08:00Am I spending enough time with you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX9ubfh_p9EGh0xuAzy_sfuSxdFa6NrU9BApOY5HI0g9p9l8VI2E1nchpKtyq5Pn0AIo1ph65DZ7FFXeG_eSrwrPTOSzkEmuHzrFcKwy5zxC5kETkTjnxlyA33XnaDcf1-GNcZ2HwZbiH/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_mini_b3b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="509" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAX9ubfh_p9EGh0xuAzy_sfuSxdFa6NrU9BApOY5HI0g9p9l8VI2E1nchpKtyq5Pn0AIo1ph65DZ7FFXeG_eSrwrPTOSzkEmuHzrFcKwy5zxC5kETkTjnxlyA33XnaDcf1-GNcZ2HwZbiH/s400/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_mini_b3b5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br /><br />
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
The other night I came home, having left early in the morning to do some surgery, and you said, "I missed you today, dad."<br />
<br />
I see photos of you from a few years ago and you have gone from a baby to a toddler to a second grader and I wonder - am I spending enough time with you?<br />
<br />
Today I called hospice to talk about your grandmother, my mom, and I realize, we just never get to spend enough time with people we love.<br />
<br />
But I am thankful for the time I can spend with you - you are happy, smiling, love making people laugh, and a good boy.<br />
<br />
I love you son.<br />
<br />
<br />
-- Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKds6eFUGzMayG6KQKunv15AAEhLCJu8q5key5VmG38gEXAGWx2ARmG1XrMQVbBEbpr0gTikBHYCWnnP3JJRGqGTFBJmWL_Wzz6Te9IGF-83SZm_d8Z-3bT14cbloL6W_gNbPNuQfH6Yov/s1600/facetile_6411.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKds6eFUGzMayG6KQKunv15AAEhLCJu8q5key5VmG38gEXAGWx2ARmG1XrMQVbBEbpr0gTikBHYCWnnP3JJRGqGTFBJmWL_Wzz6Te9IGF-83SZm_d8Z-3bT14cbloL6W_gNbPNuQfH6Yov/s400/facetile_6411.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both your front teeth are back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDb_iQdPD8DS16yjrAKbtywCw_z76Lef0Kskfpo3brRhxmOUMvqA45w4BYulY-NjFKcM9e-D8vo7hnFPRaO-vFpAWWSAP-ZtVidybfcPj93iwKEtPUyP142Bb4HYeYukCkEcF5-O1IOUu/s1600/facetile_650c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDb_iQdPD8DS16yjrAKbtywCw_z76Lef0Kskfpo3brRhxmOUMvqA45w4BYulY-NjFKcM9e-D8vo7hnFPRaO-vFpAWWSAP-ZtVidybfcPj93iwKEtPUyP142Bb4HYeYukCkEcF5-O1IOUu/s400/facetile_650c.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And you are always smiling<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><div>
<br /></div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-67564799066618052122018-08-29T14:57:00.000-07:002018-08-29T14:57:11.516-07:00Best of lifeDear JJ,<br />
<br />
Three weeks into second grade and you have been a "super scholar" several times. What does that mean? You have been quiet - and didn't disrupt the class. But the nice thing was, I drove you to your first day of class - and we got our selfie<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMX0YZcKjqKNyll1vdPsKLUw5LC5bO8yl5_JgRUbHTwvv7X2BSxStcSx3nVzfYOlYptlrs7bKntKOPgiZCxa35AV8onnXVZCghUSVDhE3g6KjuWnw4r28w-HKzqHiDv0afXnEIj3-Ol08D/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMX0YZcKjqKNyll1vdPsKLUw5LC5bO8yl5_JgRUbHTwvv7X2BSxStcSx3nVzfYOlYptlrs7bKntKOPgiZCxa35AV8onnXVZCghUSVDhE3g6KjuWnw4r28w-HKzqHiDv0afXnEIj3-Ol08D/s320/IMG_1829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You are a natural leader, JJ. When kids are around you organize them, and help them move along with whatever game you play. You are quite social.<br />
<br />
So what does your dad think? I couldn't be more proud of you, and love that you still want me to put you to bed, read you Harry Potter, and then a few hours later sneak into our bed.<br />
<br />
I couldn't be a happier dad. And I hope if you grow up and have kids that you have that same joy.<br />
<br />
Stop, enjoy your kids - love every minute of them - no matter how hard it is, because this is the best time of life I have ever had.<br />
<br />
Love Your Dad<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HL2xKXzCWKw5yOHbcUPoppKfOPsJdDy9CbeH2d2r_GI7CD7e3CdX1ezfISy_2L-8rhqVv2Ze61VllI357MdFHn5fNgzf5UyVcHlDcujJo-NFUGgPxxaUW9CeK0PBF2C0wNlBR8liiJa1/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5f6f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HL2xKXzCWKw5yOHbcUPoppKfOPsJdDy9CbeH2d2r_GI7CD7e3CdX1ezfISy_2L-8rhqVv2Ze61VllI357MdFHn5fNgzf5UyVcHlDcujJo-NFUGgPxxaUW9CeK0PBF2C0wNlBR8liiJa1/s320/fullsizeoutput_5f6f.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You still love Pasta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K_89wD9Z9BGjsSzrve9oh2xAqjJ8Nd0iV6cSw5g1H4IC3v7zOIlgOJEN87WC0zucEu49P5p0s-SZIatdm0IjEjl9qQFl_TLQzv4ZGR4KlNxDzoCca2NQlOskxt-5F5mrQ2YFBUQbeAyF/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5f95.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K_89wD9Z9BGjsSzrve9oh2xAqjJ8Nd0iV6cSw5g1H4IC3v7zOIlgOJEN87WC0zucEu49P5p0s-SZIatdm0IjEjl9qQFl_TLQzv4ZGR4KlNxDzoCca2NQlOskxt-5F5mrQ2YFBUQbeAyF/s320/fullsizeoutput_5f95.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went to Cabo after First Grade - and you love it there</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59aG0L3doGU8Oqwj9ftMK2a2nURSCDmzhsrnlSG-d5bEwYcq03sfskTcjyCubzsa1-QH3rduMHytp3isy8PhXyQQE8E5IKJdbPEB530hyphenhyphengfCr5j3xHH3IQLqRYyjHX6q6FdSwlXmjyqbx/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59aG0L3doGU8Oqwj9ftMK2a2nURSCDmzhsrnlSG-d5bEwYcq03sfskTcjyCubzsa1-QH3rduMHytp3isy8PhXyQQE8E5IKJdbPEB530hyphenhyphengfCr5j3xHH3IQLqRYyjHX6q6FdSwlXmjyqbx/s320/IMG_1551.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa is still one of your favorites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZE2QJ4gLdcONUGl9a3Gv5J2umhLnlCM_ali1NZCIUTISrSYPnaglE3TNVLl7dUWSgZyR7UEiMr2teRZB6zLl0uvQhgH8q6FeIlUtMJ3jxcjOufmUdbXAtrKphhDXtlJNVkb2yMi9p3ey/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZE2QJ4gLdcONUGl9a3Gv5J2umhLnlCM_ali1NZCIUTISrSYPnaglE3TNVLl7dUWSgZyR7UEiMr2teRZB6zLl0uvQhgH8q6FeIlUtMJ3jxcjOufmUdbXAtrKphhDXtlJNVkb2yMi9p3ey/s320/IMG_1645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And travel is still important to you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-33108395367169759092018-02-14T10:33:00.002-08:002018-02-14T10:33:44.881-08:00How Do You Tell A Boy About Evil? Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
We took a trip and stopped in Berlin, Germany. I had to wonder - how do I tell you about evil? You hear about it in fairy tales, but what and when do I tell you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitY5S8DVIapdCwPukbisKZ-_PSajWlZ9yMGiF1WDwcL3wodkanLDRguP4EUu8tf-5JQsmUwsMhSORtKCUEHMia6XORv_tmYneX_vqFbZaQshDwxv1xK3v9yAtGIjeYqairSkxe_9Zi80o/s1600/L1040666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitY5S8DVIapdCwPukbisKZ-_PSajWlZ9yMGiF1WDwcL3wodkanLDRguP4EUu8tf-5JQsmUwsMhSORtKCUEHMia6XORv_tmYneX_vqFbZaQshDwxv1xK3v9yAtGIjeYqairSkxe_9Zi80o/s400/L1040666.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How do I tell you that the place you are dancing was once where the Nazis burned books and imposed censorship upon one of the most literate peoples of the planet?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x1ZrsmYViQ99TTtFlJH8a-zDoxgz9TQ2LELRq2D3tzcLe25Xi5AWi5beirQGYRfw_HfAh6CQTvc2yaOgyu-nkZMLDHMx7KWt_VU138lQ8j-4EvOJ9qO0D0tyBdnUBaxv0IwThXrH6d3g/s1600/L1040617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x1ZrsmYViQ99TTtFlJH8a-zDoxgz9TQ2LELRq2D3tzcLe25Xi5AWi5beirQGYRfw_HfAh6CQTvc2yaOgyu-nkZMLDHMx7KWt_VU138lQ8j-4EvOJ9qO0D0tyBdnUBaxv0IwThXrH6d3g/s400/L1040617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How do I tell you that this place you are taking a photograph has had two tragedies with it?<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvBwi1Owv4klDUK4vBsHgV0vcYRATb7xyNDLa8x2KPdsNVl1n0SzKrV6RJ53tYA19CFWpjO_8bTBBPi4o_1f6L7JdWQmqYahmf9FirqdFkncNnfvblNlymkS9qdTUAwpkYBdO_q6G3zkx/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvBwi1Owv4klDUK4vBsHgV0vcYRATb7xyNDLa8x2KPdsNVl1n0SzKrV6RJ53tYA19CFWpjO_8bTBBPi4o_1f6L7JdWQmqYahmf9FirqdFkncNnfvblNlymkS9qdTUAwpkYBdO_q6G3zkx/s400/fullsizeoutput_5424.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
One is this church - bombed out from World War 2 - left as a symbol of a war that reduced Berlin to rubble.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m4kEAm9K5HdALK73A9xLd9N3O94ABVJx_UBVMLGmHS93a4LenHbQVLW41HDmZIQ2k445HjBuK2BktfZx-Tybjp3hy3xayF-Tags0jAjT6tJ0JPf3Y3sup4aViKdyoobbHjiFLlFLkDaF/s1600/L1040620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m4kEAm9K5HdALK73A9xLd9N3O94ABVJx_UBVMLGmHS93a4LenHbQVLW41HDmZIQ2k445HjBuK2BktfZx-Tybjp3hy3xayF-Tags0jAjT6tJ0JPf3Y3sup4aViKdyoobbHjiFLlFLkDaF/s400/L1040620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This memorial next to it is where a person killed innocent people who were shopping, using his car as a weapon to promote another ideology of hate - ISIS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIg_JagkUVVFS0lFt7Ie12FINPXR-CwaZhbP4bcqwjbNC1MOEsoTJuoN8fq-6tdD3VHX5lsa6NqAfHx8Bmp_oVCL8l-z7JOu_rm44lfoC2df1twgHQT0zb6muwWiHytVWiTiZqWFK1G9c/s1600/L1040644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIg_JagkUVVFS0lFt7Ie12FINPXR-CwaZhbP4bcqwjbNC1MOEsoTJuoN8fq-6tdD3VHX5lsa6NqAfHx8Bmp_oVCL8l-z7JOu_rm44lfoC2df1twgHQT0zb6muwWiHytVWiTiZqWFK1G9c/s400/L1040644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How do I explain that this photo I am having you stand in front of is the only time that the tanks of the United States and the USSR were lined up against one another and we narrowly avoided a World War that would have been the end of the planet?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBUPnF2Jg0x3nt1cRelc_0vctnqZBXZzKGdb091Ek-niZa9evo9yJ6fyxSjcqkr9iPXxwAbu4DBPUJq9H2si5tr0PuJ2u8FwiIc9H1pcTSOK92ISrk6_BBk23hWMo31F5zUPr-nGJPjOL/s1600/L1040675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBUPnF2Jg0x3nt1cRelc_0vctnqZBXZzKGdb091Ek-niZa9evo9yJ6fyxSjcqkr9iPXxwAbu4DBPUJq9H2si5tr0PuJ2u8FwiIc9H1pcTSOK92ISrk6_BBk23hWMo31F5zUPr-nGJPjOL/s400/L1040675.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How do I tell you that the monument you are enjoying is called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, when just recently a friend of yours said that because your daddy is Jewish he will be going to where "all the monsters are."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRkE2ihpO2dHCqVBcRbs8igH-bdxCQ0QPEYqCspyNVU9fvuILk8I6APKkjmPuOYo5YD0LWv_yV3EUBejlykPhJwnlvYi9TPZe1yUN_GDd5RaoHGIUfcg9HjydYNDP183VTTtRShs0Jo5v/s1600/L1040624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRkE2ihpO2dHCqVBcRbs8igH-bdxCQ0QPEYqCspyNVU9fvuILk8I6APKkjmPuOYo5YD0LWv_yV3EUBejlykPhJwnlvYi9TPZe1yUN_GDd5RaoHGIUfcg9HjydYNDP183VTTtRShs0Jo5v/s400/L1040624.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How do I tell you that we, against a powerful government that is evil are like this: alone, naked, and needing help?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJH18-HyBGSxZzNkwueMFfBoM8b6aqab8H5PKb9Aod7iOO73PORMllqnq6FZPONEj9rdVJedMHakdEeeayUNo3RNK7YbXpHudeywC8QjObY_ipwGHTbfR3qoPHhMT4N_LYdPXwY8Jr1wP/s1600/L1040623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJH18-HyBGSxZzNkwueMFfBoM8b6aqab8H5PKb9Aod7iOO73PORMllqnq6FZPONEj9rdVJedMHakdEeeayUNo3RNK7YbXpHudeywC8QjObY_ipwGHTbfR3qoPHhMT4N_LYdPXwY8Jr1wP/s400/L1040623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How do I explain that this wreath represents where five soldiers were shot because they wanted to end a brutal dictatorship?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yUEjibM1LfZdCtTBltcJLz34-xXMDHT5rZSpWXq1JAbVUDCPstGpPPk38Euryyrp2lIcfI5FFUUCpQpCfuzuYCpV5Q3bnvpulAV9YC08R9eAQS6LrUR-m38Rie8GBtawwRmooA-8kmxZ/s1600/L1040641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yUEjibM1LfZdCtTBltcJLz34-xXMDHT5rZSpWXq1JAbVUDCPstGpPPk38Euryyrp2lIcfI5FFUUCpQpCfuzuYCpV5Q3bnvpulAV9YC08R9eAQS6LrUR-m38Rie8GBtawwRmooA-8kmxZ/s400/L1040641.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I will tell you, and you will learn, but most of all this photo, taken next to a panel by Checkpoint Charlie, reminds me that you are our hope. That "a little child will lead them."</div>
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Love,</div>
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Dad</div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-8841511039274172782017-12-07T05:52:00.000-08:002017-12-07T05:52:04.758-08:00Uncle Jimmy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF2iPnmTpwSnREAfJODZn1Ot7jX3KqEHLC_rtiqcrGRGz7AsnCoWpdR1oIWr8AzpB2LjmQDrFFFl0fiIGrXGpdoFgqBmpJbh5U50-MxktSVFk_9sGlohY7Ax_cwv9ZDYMUb3ryKDCDHcJ/s1600/JES+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1034" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEF2iPnmTpwSnREAfJODZn1Ot7jX3KqEHLC_rtiqcrGRGz7AsnCoWpdR1oIWr8AzpB2LjmQDrFFFl0fiIGrXGpdoFgqBmpJbh5U50-MxktSVFk_9sGlohY7Ax_cwv9ZDYMUb3ryKDCDHcJ/s400/JES+040.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Today is the 11th anniversary of when your uncle Jimmy died. Those of us who knew him will always miss him - and I am so sad that you never were able to meet the man we named you after.<br />
<br />
You have so many of his traits: you smile a lot, you are kind, and when you get in trouble at school it is because you are being social with your friends - just like him. He would have loved to know you, and you would have been a reason he would have come to Arizona. He would have come to cheer you on in his favorite sport, baseball. He would have spent hours kicking a soccer ball around with you.<br />
<br />
You are lucky to have many fine relatives in your life - but I am so sad today that one of the finest is just a memory. That memory comes alive not just on a day like today when it is the anniversary of his death, but in your personality I see it often.<br />
<br />
Keep being kind, keep loving your friends, keep smiling. You are your own person - and sorry if sometimes we see and remember another. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ9mtYopJmQNuISq37s9aopYH33WtFBdUM2P_eE_ou3THAsSV6U-38qLsW-XKVYbFfFJ4E8xuoMrOoaDK6bLy-WyWIVjbQKQwerhFHm21eHEBtbQwH3s1OIL7yc_fQO4Otw0T7lSaE2-k/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1021" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJ9mtYopJmQNuISq37s9aopYH33WtFBdUM2P_eE_ou3THAsSV6U-38qLsW-XKVYbFfFJ4E8xuoMrOoaDK6bLy-WyWIVjbQKQwerhFHm21eHEBtbQwH3s1OIL7yc_fQO4Otw0T7lSaE2-k/s400/010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The three of us - Jimmy, myself, Ron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-78724774242823446572017-12-04T10:26:00.002-08:002017-12-04T10:26:11.981-08:00The Joy of Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OhL2LYcr-K4Huzz0AZgHDoOAqq-wlC-OVmrQV8MslimzCv6Es2CiLrGPhAw2xX3k_LwsBr19rbmbEx-rWok1t_7o5tsyJB9vWFa2D45E-m_UnJ13o0d721paIY8q2GvTQMvP_W54Zt9o/s1600/_DSC6357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_OhL2LYcr-K4Huzz0AZgHDoOAqq-wlC-OVmrQV8MslimzCv6Es2CiLrGPhAw2xX3k_LwsBr19rbmbEx-rWok1t_7o5tsyJB9vWFa2D45E-m_UnJ13o0d721paIY8q2GvTQMvP_W54Zt9o/s400/_DSC6357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Soccer season finished on Saturday - your first full year. Your team lost 4-0. But the best part was when we asked how you liked the game you said you loved it. <br />
<br />
Over the course of the year you have loved playing soccer - sometimes in the hallway with me as different photographs fall off the wall when struck. Sometimes in the backyard (one way we get Lucky's dog poops cleaned up). But you always love it.<br />
<br />
Turns out you are a pretty good player.<br />
<br />
You love the game, love playing with friends, and while you like telling me when you win - you still like the game.<br />
<br />
That, my son - is what it is all about.<br />
<br />
When I play golf I never hope my opponent will have a bad shot. I want his shot to be good, I want his putt to go into the cup. If I win the match, I am not beating him - I am beating myself. I am playing my best. <br />
<br />
Celebrate the good plays of others- and play your best game.<br />
<br />
Competition isn't about winning, it is about bringing out the best in yourself. Unless we are racing to get ready in the morning - then it is about winning.terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-45077433048125806472017-06-18T06:16:00.001-07:002017-06-18T06:16:42.305-07:00My best jobDear JJ,<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today is my favorite day of the year- Father's Day. It has been since you made me a dad. From the moment I found out I was going to be a dad I had no idea how much it would affect my life. Thank you son.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalvW24Anz6UNkQRi33cQl3obxP2XhVyA9URLbNUnLV7gMZzfcj26bFxUCq4eRWiTpZ4uV8rhra2Ec_PXleu-PfT_WbkZvx_emvmT2q0aN_zSi7As9_Gj4J7QBRjS9mV-5UGZ85DN778pX/s1600/IMG_0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalvW24Anz6UNkQRi33cQl3obxP2XhVyA9URLbNUnLV7gMZzfcj26bFxUCq4eRWiTpZ4uV8rhra2Ec_PXleu-PfT_WbkZvx_emvmT2q0aN_zSi7As9_Gj4J7QBRjS9mV-5UGZ85DN778pX/s320/IMG_0637.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DtHiqMALLEBtMJFsBAj01iUQddbexulzgapGNHrRRHFFM8ZpTakeO6kfFFqtTpuGWetKoPzx7DrmQebABa4EoDCyzh2QKd0JEnInbyUDOKZsPNynVpKpOorNbu1ddXo7mhfxRcc4Ca-r/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DtHiqMALLEBtMJFsBAj01iUQddbexulzgapGNHrRRHFFM8ZpTakeO6kfFFqtTpuGWetKoPzx7DrmQebABa4EoDCyzh2QKd0JEnInbyUDOKZsPNynVpKpOorNbu1ddXo7mhfxRcc4Ca-r/s400/IMG_1916.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making morning toast - you seem to have grown</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSORf2uyBOCKTW2EYqaKILvOIpZGdjcHVJ_gB4cFmR4RaDZKHcWOcCdshv9JE-lndzhp4igDUGxKsyjEAr7ONmfGIs9Xsg1meGnfr9UnFr-AvCkHXmsIiCZcY83NIrz0-DfBuVQeowb_2/s1600/IMG_1912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSORf2uyBOCKTW2EYqaKILvOIpZGdjcHVJ_gB4cFmR4RaDZKHcWOcCdshv9JE-lndzhp4igDUGxKsyjEAr7ONmfGIs9Xsg1meGnfr9UnFr-AvCkHXmsIiCZcY83NIrz0-DfBuVQeowb_2/s400/IMG_1912.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concentrating and putting together legos meant for someone who is between 9 and 14 </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQvB1_JXiP7sfVGwDPEQtNSXGCwhfzVKqMxCQGlaN1aMa9IKm2I3q4uu7URDtWMntj-ZdZY0Xkob0ovZyBj1Avo07ezyylTSAfwLBAIrjhtB0jtGpqo1EIrac7oMC4VHXgkxh-Wf-Wfpw/s1600/IMG_1897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQvB1_JXiP7sfVGwDPEQtNSXGCwhfzVKqMxCQGlaN1aMa9IKm2I3q4uu7URDtWMntj-ZdZY0Xkob0ovZyBj1Avo07ezyylTSAfwLBAIrjhtB0jtGpqo1EIrac7oMC4VHXgkxh-Wf-Wfpw/s400/IMG_1897.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another recital - no big deal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_FZhYOWYuZk4VNsGfJSgcLbmKzEgUeRfEZRbaXnOrjBfuMgpxilaqLLXge82T-WzrWfbXQ3vLglNl-ArEg_65VyT7snpU-rwFvYaJnjplc2d2BHKzaKHKLjMPJ9O9oAPGl90Kl2nKyJg/s1600/IMG_1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_FZhYOWYuZk4VNsGfJSgcLbmKzEgUeRfEZRbaXnOrjBfuMgpxilaqLLXge82T-WzrWfbXQ3vLglNl-ArEg_65VyT7snpU-rwFvYaJnjplc2d2BHKzaKHKLjMPJ9O9oAPGl90Kl2nKyJg/s400/IMG_1873.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off to summer camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoSK-Met1QdhIImUD6K2x0eT8-BFKCcbn_h5wsZACopgSeKsbqbw-Kl-YRrYqIcPyon9jvbziNU9hJzq4Cp4wGzgsxoFARxMOrDZJdOnV0uBl0LiSxPCg7hDGgTDgkAL0V_jeoTKaKL1_/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoSK-Met1QdhIImUD6K2x0eT8-BFKCcbn_h5wsZACopgSeKsbqbw-Kl-YRrYqIcPyon9jvbziNU9hJzq4Cp4wGzgsxoFARxMOrDZJdOnV0uBl0LiSxPCg7hDGgTDgkAL0V_jeoTKaKL1_/s400/IMG_1849.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two dads and three generations. Glad my dad can celebrate with us - at 92 years old he is so happy that he has a grandson - his only grandchild.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-45738014627606184482017-05-01T11:13:00.000-07:002017-05-01T11:13:07.491-07:00BaseballDear JJ,<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Baseball and fun -</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't think I would be one of those dad's that goes to baseball games. I didn't think I would be cheering, and then thinking how I could help you be a better player. I didn't realize how fun playing catch with you would be. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dad<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94VIGTiDiizgPvx5QQC18V9VA3x8ovSxPPW9eooJ04hV1G2yOvg9aDRktIJFdNPc3yl4QwMd-aGDatz1OdabQxRGRp9io6bfylfuE2jS-6lYkUHbTIcRS3Ln_rJVjsvVi9bLZ_XtrwI7V/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94VIGTiDiizgPvx5QQC18V9VA3x8ovSxPPW9eooJ04hV1G2yOvg9aDRktIJFdNPc3yl4QwMd-aGDatz1OdabQxRGRp9io6bfylfuE2jS-6lYkUHbTIcRS3Ln_rJVjsvVi9bLZ_XtrwI7V/s400/IMG_1532.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is nice seeing a Simpson in a baseball uniform</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6DKlx8iJDidI8aoygknS7jyX9-pKVHbmWCDO8OC5RsH_iJi5E6VZhyphenhyphensCU7_GKuxnEECJcbbndSiFrb4rs8elhVgStJMRC1_ubxjJOy8iQigLyUEgO0dVDz1LD44-toO-2Kq4h7pCK6uy/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6DKlx8iJDidI8aoygknS7jyX9-pKVHbmWCDO8OC5RsH_iJi5E6VZhyphenhyphensCU7_GKuxnEECJcbbndSiFrb4rs8elhVgStJMRC1_ubxjJOy8iQigLyUEgO0dVDz1LD44-toO-2Kq4h7pCK6uy/s400/IMG_1632.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baseball means good friends </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ThgqINXqtGCAkBUFBHXgc-pNBXP9UVVaH-5Q8pJtvIixyN55O0lwRVLUW0qHcFRYX7Bfz0j-R5NJdvYy8ia0p_EfEGhVxRLbmsGwdjma3rFhUSxeAk10V27YO_eA4TJnp1-ynxLNMBwb/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ThgqINXqtGCAkBUFBHXgc-pNBXP9UVVaH-5Q8pJtvIixyN55O0lwRVLUW0qHcFRYX7Bfz0j-R5NJdvYy8ia0p_EfEGhVxRLbmsGwdjma3rFhUSxeAk10V27YO_eA4TJnp1-ynxLNMBwb/s400/IMG_1697.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You like being Catcher </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFRDSJVXD335bbS-3qHGLb8YlSRRqqfW0Lb3qYk55jN_vtmNQeykxaQO7obXFft9s8Ne7D8l4irr14zyirLqg43r9NLRfqtpqlc3ayosOLtWEUhE2Gc_f3SNtYHQRNLzUbl5pbxYd8nTc/s400/IMG_1696.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more than that you like hitting the ball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFRDSJVXD335bbS-3qHGLb8YlSRRqqfW0Lb3qYk55jN_vtmNQeykxaQO7obXFft9s8Ne7D8l4irr14zyirLqg43r9NLRfqtpqlc3ayosOLtWEUhE2Gc_f3SNtYHQRNLzUbl5pbxYd8nTc/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFRDSJVXD335bbS-3qHGLb8YlSRRqqfW0Lb3qYk55jN_vtmNQeykxaQO7obXFft9s8Ne7D8l4irr14zyirLqg43r9NLRfqtpqlc3ayosOLtWEUhE2Gc_f3SNtYHQRNLzUbl5pbxYd8nTc/s1600/IMG_1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-73915230013841106762017-05-01T08:40:00.000-07:002017-05-01T08:40:01.644-07:00Friends Birthday Parties<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zuLReKLNjVYs2J5nbNntxgVaJvD4_tlbEl9vnWJLnjwh4fo6ePRaB9L_akO0oUyyjX_yA-gFZBLyPOD6OEsUNsDPf-5Y8dNtDqXZujcOAre6MrefNwlDg3QiudgyFcYofjCMyGjFoyE3/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zuLReKLNjVYs2J5nbNntxgVaJvD4_tlbEl9vnWJLnjwh4fo6ePRaB9L_akO0oUyyjX_yA-gFZBLyPOD6OEsUNsDPf-5Y8dNtDqXZujcOAre6MrefNwlDg3QiudgyFcYofjCMyGjFoyE3/s400/IMG_1719.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes and Pizza </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuBxMFDtnNz11jCf0hnEpLAFbIidLyAwt0N_UjqWtwOJJ2ZwO5sGbbYrcNuVZgWyq5eIyXebEhgGuYw4tOKyk1zkrHhG5pnLKNcPtjt4FESVJX5sczChueJKSxn0WJ6q1IxUiUvP1i5Qc/s400/IMG_1716.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuBxMFDtnNz11jCf0hnEpLAFbIidLyAwt0N_UjqWtwOJJ2ZwO5sGbbYrcNuVZgWyq5eIyXebEhgGuYw4tOKyk1zkrHhG5pnLKNcPtjt4FESVJX5sczChueJKSxn0WJ6q1IxUiUvP1i5Qc/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Mom was sick so I brought you to the birthday party of your buddy. I had a great time just watching you. You are a good buddy, and thankfully the party was at a place where you could wear out a lot of your energy. The parents were wonderful.<br />
<br />
I never knew being a dad meant I would enjoy kids birthday parties.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
<br />terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-44278595374198380682017-01-04T07:08:00.002-08:002017-01-04T07:08:27.914-08:00I am SantaDear JJ,<br />
<br />
This year on Christmas Eve you had a hard time going to bed. Finally you did and I was able to slip into my Santa suit. <br />
<br />
About 10:30 am I woke you up and said, "JJ, I have delivered all my gifts, would you like to open one of yours?"<br />
<br />
You looked up in a bit of disbelief. Here was dad in a Santa suit. Maybe now you will believe, that I am Santa.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxHpPIsZa06Sz9bPkpAzcljvqByc69f9Ew54U9Pm_ksQAjNSwL0_pa9-hqF-HtYGl37gzjOMGVGQIVaiWuZXMh1VtMKILJRiw0ZKGJLFinm0IC3UZWXvijUbV8g853KSRkgmlw40DqM2b/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxHpPIsZa06Sz9bPkpAzcljvqByc69f9Ew54U9Pm_ksQAjNSwL0_pa9-hqF-HtYGl37gzjOMGVGQIVaiWuZXMh1VtMKILJRiw0ZKGJLFinm0IC3UZWXvijUbV8g853KSRkgmlw40DqM2b/s400/IMG_0702.JPG" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up JJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-6325972055455102322016-11-28T13:46:00.000-08:002016-11-28T13:46:11.810-08:00I'm looking in the mirror - you look like me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear JJ,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is uncanny. I look at you and I see me, 53 years ago. I look at your face, your smile and I remember seeing me, in a mirror, when I was six years old. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I feel as if a younger self time traveled here. </div>
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So what can I tell my younger six? Be a good boy, play with everyone, and it will be hard to keep quiet in school and fold your hands - but you will be rewarded for it (took me a while to learn that too)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Love, </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dad</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMpEoCrueMbYmg7aDTN4PWxINlZJmQsVJHrgk9LTGWZKdTcIuYf6hHivx8nUtX6tC8EZ2z9ZOBj2_OsiIyLSQidqeC0VJwyAeYlFJtf7UC2XzC1Z3ITsDpYl7g0EHqCV5I6MuhNMLpOBZ/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvMpEoCrueMbYmg7aDTN4PWxINlZJmQsVJHrgk9LTGWZKdTcIuYf6hHivx8nUtX6tC8EZ2z9ZOBj2_OsiIyLSQidqeC0VJwyAeYlFJtf7UC2XzC1Z3ITsDpYl7g0EHqCV5I6MuhNMLpOBZ/s400/IMG_0505.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your photo this morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl87TqAZLc_EODGPIdQkRCSmwFRAzCiRzQs3xlvb5OcYKmWN-C1E8j_Oj9oQGfjXtfRMRzHw5zMcjrVRse4U-ZyKQmYaywq4IkRGR4dlZ46ohvrGLH2pm2-86beRcOBLEpekgVCNbHaJAP/s1600/IMG_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl87TqAZLc_EODGPIdQkRCSmwFRAzCiRzQs3xlvb5OcYKmWN-C1E8j_Oj9oQGfjXtfRMRzHw5zMcjrVRse4U-ZyKQmYaywq4IkRGR4dlZ46ohvrGLH2pm2-86beRcOBLEpekgVCNbHaJAP/s400/IMG_0501.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me when I was six<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-50794670837170117182016-10-03T12:30:00.000-07:002016-10-03T12:30:29.119-07:00Wait- You're Six?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHy62gwU27iKqNutwV6e2lbilkxjycAmSDzJ5LCNPvY6-Mv5-V2YHoEjUUYOmiLgU5514PbolpJJ3eFzaJ3SOXHNX1PCXb377_ARmdJoP1YR1lyfNWVpSTOBG55Vq9V9aHeW_XLTrO1nv/s1600/JJdadmilkshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHy62gwU27iKqNutwV6e2lbilkxjycAmSDzJ5LCNPvY6-Mv5-V2YHoEjUUYOmiLgU5514PbolpJJ3eFzaJ3SOXHNX1PCXb377_ARmdJoP1YR1lyfNWVpSTOBG55Vq9V9aHeW_XLTrO1nv/s400/JJdadmilkshake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still love our weekly milkshakes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPE5Y95fsod-cIEjtkk4dmTsVgqFubFqNsxompbGhInWWvHCQq5ZVzSwWueNOaICuuhXm1tvyc4PCQzUCU2U70QOTKkKZHkQdJSUfTaJrslQFM2rjX5ITlBv3beUayKlQU3hyphenhyphen8_CphV-4/s1600/JJKindergarten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPE5Y95fsod-cIEjtkk4dmTsVgqFubFqNsxompbGhInWWvHCQq5ZVzSwWueNOaICuuhXm1tvyc4PCQzUCU2U70QOTKkKZHkQdJSUfTaJrslQFM2rjX5ITlBv3beUayKlQU3hyphenhyphen8_CphV-4/s400/JJKindergarten.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School Uniform - ready for Kindergarten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
It hit me the other day as I was going through my computer and you were asking for some attention. You are six. Already you are six. Not five, you are in Kindergarten, and I was looking at my computer instead of spending time with you.<br />
<br />
It is so easy to do - so easy to do something else besides be with you.<br />
<br />
Here is the thing: whatever I was looking at, some quip on social media or some interaction with someone I have never met - I have so much time with you. Social media is fine- I have real life here.<br />
<br />
So much has happened - so I've put it in pictures.<br />
<br />
I love you son,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CVtOSJbC-H0dcIlXPmwUinUmrVFpicbVAR-Xv5Y24dEtr1cQiTI2dyaJPC6ZEyjBFiUQVxre_0qM4KJ7Hiupanhnkvb3aB3lahMD4dXAeMyJKUKADPiXp4Twjt9WQni2Q53sK6rVCtCa/s1600/waitingforschooltostart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-CVtOSJbC-H0dcIlXPmwUinUmrVFpicbVAR-Xv5Y24dEtr1cQiTI2dyaJPC6ZEyjBFiUQVxre_0qM4KJ7Hiupanhnkvb3aB3lahMD4dXAeMyJKUKADPiXp4Twjt9WQni2Q53sK6rVCtCa/s400/waitingforschooltostart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every Thursday is still Daddy's Day when I get to bring you to school. Here you are waiting in the cafeteria with your class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQaJhCkDmMByDtRSt_ViFfVpCgqyuuadBs3miXfBhspaAgWgUFngspeoRjte34NAKHzi9jYB4P2V-jdr6atNbSWgqi418MZMFGpvs-CA-j_L-8Xke_Skj8FIc2nfGXrK8UOS8w7rQCCBv/s1600/withbackpac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNQaJhCkDmMByDtRSt_ViFfVpCgqyuuadBs3miXfBhspaAgWgUFngspeoRjte34NAKHzi9jYB4P2V-jdr6atNbSWgqi418MZMFGpvs-CA-j_L-8Xke_Skj8FIc2nfGXrK8UOS8w7rQCCBv/s400/withbackpac.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty handsome with your backpack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHX6SmJe-gVn-6Z8vo0-uNKR0kycAzLqmTVaM7P9HIeX7iBqggahoJx665dWcRFzhstOnlcvCm3HbT5-dzriI6KRLkcCkgEl_kPPukPADOb-LnZJxpvDwEn7gfRzpx7sS4j-idKji4EZV/s1600/Grandpa92ndbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHX6SmJe-gVn-6Z8vo0-uNKR0kycAzLqmTVaM7P9HIeX7iBqggahoJx665dWcRFzhstOnlcvCm3HbT5-dzriI6KRLkcCkgEl_kPPukPADOb-LnZJxpvDwEn7gfRzpx7sS4j-idKji4EZV/s400/Grandpa92ndbday.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We get to spend time with my dad - here was his 92nd birthday. You wanted to help him blow out the candle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6wABKsd3FSwDKKvj8z1X-GFwcwPVxyB-iQQ0fDy5kn2e6B80_nCXtsz-jeGHcSbsoDTeGyXFD2FRs1GPmzsb33unXpuzU9cG7hsqxcmT-cgpXjgIXs12m8OX0qQGtG5HZDRReyP7D6-/s1600/JJgrandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6wABKsd3FSwDKKvj8z1X-GFwcwPVxyB-iQQ0fDy5kn2e6B80_nCXtsz-jeGHcSbsoDTeGyXFD2FRs1GPmzsb33unXpuzU9cG7hsqxcmT-cgpXjgIXs12m8OX0qQGtG5HZDRReyP7D6-/s400/JJgrandma.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom may have dementia, but she knows who you are</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHJjUIU_knhu1aqx7cOcCmZ_sIX-IKiX0CcXtVP-jfI5in8FMU0NIuED7s0WTgxuG2XxbOPlyNOFAj6uOmr_Lg0N46S0GGQawMdky1oLYwEFoWWa1p6LGXYsczAOzpXOXOXvxjR3qOHOW/s1600/JJgrandparents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHJjUIU_knhu1aqx7cOcCmZ_sIX-IKiX0CcXtVP-jfI5in8FMU0NIuED7s0WTgxuG2XxbOPlyNOFAj6uOmr_Lg0N46S0GGQawMdky1oLYwEFoWWa1p6LGXYsczAOzpXOXOXvxjR3qOHOW/s400/JJgrandparents.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You bring joy to my parents - every time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAXV3s4qHCfkfTGwHrw3DPNRc-VR5X0Q5Py79UWZpY69_DrVKx8Yk0UhmLW0aqkEbjCkMu6xuWZN-b2NLbqEKGrS0m-ctxy-ySYm-BUQQtKwwpdD6cImz0k5jWHTm2OmL3ux4UJEqhtk1/s1600/JJhaircut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidAXV3s4qHCfkfTGwHrw3DPNRc-VR5X0Q5Py79UWZpY69_DrVKx8Yk0UhmLW0aqkEbjCkMu6xuWZN-b2NLbqEKGrS0m-ctxy-ySYm-BUQQtKwwpdD6cImz0k5jWHTm2OmL3ux4UJEqhtk1/s400/JJhaircut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School requires a haircut- your mom was watching to make sure it wasn't cut too close. More traumatic for her</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kmX4R3l0QFPC_wgtc7wTPRsurDm86o1J9kkyFmyQVJqREy6WfcH2w2-eDqdgy9a7tb2yHpqYEN6IOIpETbx1Pbse0aNfrXNGcuEp0-lRrkf8wAp-tFrj9ZegJg8BNiL4C6Ql5W7Xvtkm/s1600/JJhaloweenstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kmX4R3l0QFPC_wgtc7wTPRsurDm86o1J9kkyFmyQVJqREy6WfcH2w2-eDqdgy9a7tb2yHpqYEN6IOIpETbx1Pbse0aNfrXNGcuEp0-lRrkf8wAp-tFrj9ZegJg8BNiL4C6Ql5W7Xvtkm/s400/JJhaloweenstore.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You say you love Halloween, but were pretty afraid to stand by this guy - so we brought him home. You love to scare mom.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M0aK_BiLTzGvSudx-NNpZbAgW1_K4G7TJVGMphVPfg1FVAIgeLC_xt5efrG8BVaaUZp01OR5yzTAJhDmAVhP2q9YSoN1wMHJxyJyeg6ilktG1YnK2DmYGKe1118hLqWrzHQCPtszel7h/s1600/JJpostcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2M0aK_BiLTzGvSudx-NNpZbAgW1_K4G7TJVGMphVPfg1FVAIgeLC_xt5efrG8BVaaUZp01OR5yzTAJhDmAVhP2q9YSoN1wMHJxyJyeg6ilktG1YnK2DmYGKe1118hLqWrzHQCPtszel7h/s400/JJpostcut.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Post haircut - you look pretty sharp!<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<br />terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-85586714130672306862016-08-01T06:00:00.001-07:002016-08-01T06:00:24.974-07:00Six Years Old<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptmTekZYXdRWpxuveVu6Eyp_UTxU8WKhvDqx3243knbmx6xcL4KnfViNovxvwG4cXN88rPYwsZva9WhFKuFozFJj9h7w3RIwqJMgywByhW0Gi68G1yeCK-kP50YaO-ON2swxSNskkJWBX/s1600/JJ%2527s+Sixth+birthday.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptmTekZYXdRWpxuveVu6Eyp_UTxU8WKhvDqx3243knbmx6xcL4KnfViNovxvwG4cXN88rPYwsZva9WhFKuFozFJj9h7w3RIwqJMgywByhW0Gi68G1yeCK-kP50YaO-ON2swxSNskkJWBX/s400/JJ%2527s+Sixth+birthday.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six years old!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_G_xqBjdvIgNVP7fccLLSeNw2siTn9upSZhj-w-HlLFKeUq1Z5rd93vU1rH7SLmF0C-YqPkbv9AH2lkkcNZ-okOz8CkgWPOfKJIcBBdfNM9q4VimHTnwhQYggAEeRWmtJqK5Q3r1ierh/s1600/Bug+collecting.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_G_xqBjdvIgNVP7fccLLSeNw2siTn9upSZhj-w-HlLFKeUq1Z5rd93vU1rH7SLmF0C-YqPkbv9AH2lkkcNZ-okOz8CkgWPOfKJIcBBdfNM9q4VimHTnwhQYggAEeRWmtJqK5Q3r1ierh/s400/Bug+collecting.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collecting bugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2K7y07EN-MshFm97QKDhFr27SCWRHHDySeowfuBkd2qD4IdSbB4VfOMyj6mA2lFXabopRRXHbx4vXc2kdQ1shg0SUgzgzlf2dRatKVz7QwGbmmTL8ixVUw5PMyG1sNPQJRQh0OU5YbOx/s1600/Photographs+of+bugs.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht2K7y07EN-MshFm97QKDhFr27SCWRHHDySeowfuBkd2qD4IdSbB4VfOMyj6mA2lFXabopRRXHbx4vXc2kdQ1shg0SUgzgzlf2dRatKVz7QwGbmmTL8ixVUw5PMyG1sNPQJRQh0OU5YbOx/s400/Photographs+of+bugs.jpg+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting photographs just to be with dad - photographing spiders of course</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI4LeXDwsVghjsUZeJ1SiBHFDZ0fMQpuQ6Nd8owp6n6JDR5gihmM-ugkXx9IC7hqb0wrFk1Fo1JGGHKhmzBXQQDiL0M7BXPgIfFyIaqDItbAmxCoWjYuS706GkpXFdudFNOpxWWuJ1bFR/s1600/2010-07-20+16.10.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRI4LeXDwsVghjsUZeJ1SiBHFDZ0fMQpuQ6Nd8owp6n6JDR5gihmM-ugkXx9IC7hqb0wrFk1Fo1JGGHKhmzBXQQDiL0M7BXPgIfFyIaqDItbAmxCoWjYuS706GkpXFdudFNOpxWWuJ1bFR/s400/2010-07-20+16.10.12.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was the first to hold your hand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMEa-jlSWxdmQJsMHTaPKFixE3fEVQe65G3iL6nZLvQfYDN4w9X34Zl1Cik_7DhkjDj6rQL-X-ayGmPy98ebLq5uzHLXdleaORqMjNLD8TLvC4ZS1cdCg154Xl8TyzD3HBgouf7oOTcn1/s1600/480184_2808929278683_990846231_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMEa-jlSWxdmQJsMHTaPKFixE3fEVQe65G3iL6nZLvQfYDN4w9X34Zl1Cik_7DhkjDj6rQL-X-ayGmPy98ebLq5uzHLXdleaORqMjNLD8TLvC4ZS1cdCg154Xl8TyzD3HBgouf7oOTcn1/s400/480184_2808929278683_990846231_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I love every time I get to hold it </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear JJ,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Six years old!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love that at six years old you still like to hold your daddy's hand. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't fear that you will grow up, I look forward to seeing the kind of person you will become. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I do cherish these times - because I know they happen once. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love you son.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love,</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dad</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-74278387820909692782016-05-29T07:14:00.000-07:002016-05-29T07:33:30.336-07:00Time Is Passing - Bedtime RitualsDear JJ,<br>
<br>
Last night you crawled into our bed, you had a bad dream and we were happy to see you. I realized that the time will come when you won't come into our bed, that our little boy won't be little anymore.<br>
<br>
When you were a little baby I never liked the "cry it out," idea. Reports have come out and say that children who are left in their bed to cry it out and self-soothe do just fine as adults. But I couldn't do that. I wanted to be there to comfort you, to let you I was there.<br>
<br>
That led to me putting you to bed at about 7 pm, usually falling asleep with you, then sneaking out to spend time with your mom. Then sometime about 930 you finding your way to our bed - as you call it "the family bed."<br>
<br>
There are downsides - sometimes I think in the middle of the night you dream you are a helicopter as your hands and legs whack your mom and I. Some nights your mom or I go back to your bedroom just to get some sleep.<br>
<br>
But, your mom and I realize at some point that won't happen anymore. That you will be just fine in your own bed. I joke that someday you will tell us, "Mom and dad it is time you get your own room."<br>
<br>
That time is coming. But until then, one of the joys of a father is to comfort a little boy who hears noises in the middle of the night. I won't forget these times, and will miss them.<br>
<br>
I still remember my dad coming in to say goodnight to me, laying down and falling asleep in my bed. I would wake him up and he would always say, "Oh, I fell asleep," and off he would go to join mom. I hope you remember the times you got into the family bed - and the comfort there.<br>
<br>
It's ok to grow up son. Just don't worry if you see my eyes water from time to time. <br>
<br>
Love,<br>
<br>
Dad<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmlxMtm1d8fDa4DZvGhZ9bIZKz4tIRRrewSAMGh3k7biPWMgcj92hSWQZmSRIg-xBQLz8XUu_zIN0KSh6BZIKKK_GpqMNpd72X1U4mCgbJ8myY5pw-uqXAbjrf6yxCeenFcHhtHo7T9my/s640/blogger-image-1227865170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmlxMtm1d8fDa4DZvGhZ9bIZKz4tIRRrewSAMGh3k7biPWMgcj92hSWQZmSRIg-xBQLz8XUu_zIN0KSh6BZIKKK_GpqMNpd72X1U4mCgbJ8myY5pw-uqXAbjrf6yxCeenFcHhtHo7T9my/s640/blogger-image-1227865170.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvS66O1jqrsaIm6TTEKyMXK_vmBY1S7JyyAbbudASCXIiedU558WmQvicishzFFVrTAF9TFUAyi3-BOf4D4d24CdDIYg25D5Y2EMn7Uvl9OxmQZSM_VSmlGxktIAC-dX9WEY3cLTJnnyD/s640/blogger-image-245638762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvS66O1jqrsaIm6TTEKyMXK_vmBY1S7JyyAbbudASCXIiedU558WmQvicishzFFVrTAF9TFUAyi3-BOf4D4d24CdDIYg25D5Y2EMn7Uvl9OxmQZSM_VSmlGxktIAC-dX9WEY3cLTJnnyD/s640/blogger-image-245638762.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgP801kQ8NHCpU05cyp7NUD82_HyuTBM5pkm5Xrk-MNwoRADkAKugv0oEZjFGDz9n6I4slwo3g7xvw0pYjxSuOnBqPktLLP-IRGQxT9dfsfwFzQbvoYYUZJ9u74hEOjc6MDsgnjrKD1qu/s640/blogger-image-1877261366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLgP801kQ8NHCpU05cyp7NUD82_HyuTBM5pkm5Xrk-MNwoRADkAKugv0oEZjFGDz9n6I4slwo3g7xvw0pYjxSuOnBqPktLLP-IRGQxT9dfsfwFzQbvoYYUZJ9u74hEOjc6MDsgnjrKD1qu/s640/blogger-image-1877261366.jpg"></a></div>terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-41468959321683341232016-05-25T06:29:00.003-07:002016-05-25T06:29:32.122-07:00Breakfast The Best Meal Of The Day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yZraSNv-DkowHz6muk8ZEkt__7zStK7LozFQCBhRXfQdWWKQFvf7H6D6oU1aphdsKgzN9QTkfs18n_aXyn1iqwYWaHn2wD3L6dNevB-iTEd-W8GVQdrdQgt4I_xzb0ymf9Nu2Rnp530Q/s1600/JJ+cooking+eggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yZraSNv-DkowHz6muk8ZEkt__7zStK7LozFQCBhRXfQdWWKQFvf7H6D6oU1aphdsKgzN9QTkfs18n_aXyn1iqwYWaHn2wD3L6dNevB-iTEd-W8GVQdrdQgt4I_xzb0ymf9Nu2Rnp530Q/s640/JJ+cooking+eggs.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Egg in a hole in it." - JJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
Dear JJ,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This morning as I wake up and you and your mom are out of town I realize that how much I miss my sous chef in the kitchen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The hardest part about when we travel is when we don't have a kitchen that we can make our morning breakfast.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but cooking with you makes it the best meal of the day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dad</div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-72979790890980778482016-05-18T15:21:00.000-07:002016-05-18T15:25:14.476-07:00Mother's Day and Recitals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6FXEjWHo_qkIsvTKfnMl5vktZ7Wax0F37uvmZP8CtYOvB-qnT_qeUSZGk2fXbQLXr-DpLezkBrtdb3a7o-ygTAN6KTmH5UnscpXfDBLvCUMFUwhJj9nF2Krwij1G9O_u0SqWIIo1Huus/s1600/IMG_1437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6FXEjWHo_qkIsvTKfnMl5vktZ7Wax0F37uvmZP8CtYOvB-qnT_qeUSZGk2fXbQLXr-DpLezkBrtdb3a7o-ygTAN6KTmH5UnscpXfDBLvCUMFUwhJj9nF2Krwij1G9O_u0SqWIIo1Huus/s400/IMG_1437.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing flowers to Grandma Simpson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Mother's Day was bitter sweet. It is wonderful having my mom here, but it is difficult to see her slip into dementia. Thankfully she is still happy to see us and knows who we are. <br />
<br />
I couldn't be more proud of you when we were going to the grocery store and you wanted to buy flowers, and pick them out, for both my mom and yours.<br />
<br />
I love Mother's Day because without you there would be no Mother's Day for us. You have made our life sweet, son - and mother's day and father's day are all about how thankful we are that you made us parents.<br />
<br />
Then we got to see you play.<br />
<br />
I think this is my favorite time. But then again, I say that every age.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySbM4FrrR1NhAfNW_benGyraLST0QIHondtl-eQ8gzXKQbHyWGTNRWG6MA4RP6DBymFPNV463TFVU4SFMvpB13mEOJt4Xb3ch78pgRiBGQEwkYclivxQgjjXnPByyvIihrR7ugLj623_T/s1600/IMG_1909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySbM4FrrR1NhAfNW_benGyraLST0QIHondtl-eQ8gzXKQbHyWGTNRWG6MA4RP6DBymFPNV463TFVU4SFMvpB13mEOJt4Xb3ch78pgRiBGQEwkYclivxQgjjXnPByyvIihrR7ugLj623_T/s400/IMG_1909.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We needed to make cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORS_p6eKM7z5Elm-1aT3QPe8mW4O-g059cHvz9OcwByi8jjaxdweuLZwENUwzjPUYlSCXNqP98vE8mh9637AtOj_7i9bYdjCx6Hj7j8RvYCqV4VelGkdJTQOa71VlV5cy2JscEqK8SYUx/s1600/IMG_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORS_p6eKM7z5Elm-1aT3QPe8mW4O-g059cHvz9OcwByi8jjaxdweuLZwENUwzjPUYlSCXNqP98vE8mh9637AtOj_7i9bYdjCx6Hj7j8RvYCqV4VelGkdJTQOa71VlV5cy2JscEqK8SYUx/s400/IMG_1922.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It all started here</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAU3vZnwQ2nPyYPsSCWc2vteXGyKB7JKpYZ7QwlS2Uh7aKnHxZy1-n-nzfYnOBwDHDVEzRw05eoWJ6XUN8dT6iJ2RSeLkAITHFBL4QnKKs1OUxvkJcdkBcdRmimgTPRB-syDNrn7H1M1t/s1600/JJ+recital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAU3vZnwQ2nPyYPsSCWc2vteXGyKB7JKpYZ7QwlS2Uh7aKnHxZy1-n-nzfYnOBwDHDVEzRw05eoWJ6XUN8dT6iJ2RSeLkAITHFBL4QnKKs1OUxvkJcdkBcdRmimgTPRB-syDNrn7H1M1t/s400/JJ+recital.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your first public performance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-45553480061097524332016-05-01T06:57:00.000-07:002016-05-01T06:57:29.974-07:00Sparky<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIer49Y9B7-uJ1TKiF4vVJs5cOqc7h1Xza2u42CNmYuWVipp6ZB6Y7bFFNN1rG6n7kap0-4NL23z1Q3ZY7cjC6REh92mRFRh3il0UCeuzKFj0QUokG1_vNsUFZK-sebIZY4njeF4RMzZhW/s1600/IMG_7391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIer49Y9B7-uJ1TKiF4vVJs5cOqc7h1Xza2u42CNmYuWVipp6ZB6Y7bFFNN1rG6n7kap0-4NL23z1Q3ZY7cjC6REh92mRFRh3il0UCeuzKFj0QUokG1_vNsUFZK-sebIZY4njeF4RMzZhW/s400/IMG_7391.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You've played with this doggie since you were six weeks </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiEaNYej6p2ChpNR6AbUGxkDA88WEXmf5vmlWRs74SRux_3r98vAUQNhpJJGfrQU9uvUky6cdrHeCNMR7DzmzTao0fcvGxAabGRIyBUXpdk2gCeGwYHMF89-Sj2-pI_xN93k-e171usAe/s1600/IMG_7392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiEaNYej6p2ChpNR6AbUGxkDA88WEXmf5vmlWRs74SRux_3r98vAUQNhpJJGfrQU9uvUky6cdrHeCNMR7DzmzTao0fcvGxAabGRIyBUXpdk2gCeGwYHMF89-Sj2-pI_xN93k-e171usAe/s320/IMG_7392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma enjoying some time with her grandson and Sparky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dear JJ,
<br />
<br />
Sparky died the other day, and it made you sad. The little dog had lived 14 years as grandma's favorite companion.<br />
<br />
He first sniffed you when you were six weeks old, after your first trip on an airplane.<br />
<br />
When we would go to see grandma and grandpa you would sit on the floor, wait for him to come to you, and play. <br />
<br />
He was grandma's companion, and even as she sinks into dementia she misses Sparky.<br />
<br />
As a little boy you are seeing dementia and death. Your answer was to want to get flowers. Two sets, one for grandma and one for us- because we all miss Sparky.<br />
<br />
Sometimes you amaze me,<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dadterrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-20186877251452722112016-03-13T08:05:00.002-07:002016-03-13T08:10:09.238-07:00Being A Boy Around DementiaDear JJ,<br />
<br />
As my mom descends into dementia it isn't easy being around her. She has lost what little patience she ever had. On one hand she relates how she was raised to sit still and let adults talk, and how oppressive that was. At least she said that during her days when her mind worked better.<br />
<br />
Today she wants you to sit still so she can talk, but her talk is garbled. It is tough to see that. It is tough for me to see that, but I had to decide to either try to make you sit still or to let you be just who you are.<br />
<br />
You have to be you, son. And I have to be your dad. It is ok to see that my mom isn't who she was, and I am sorry you have to see this.<br />
<br />
<br />
I love you son - keep chasing birds, climbing trees, and laughing. It is the light of my life. It would be the light of her life also - as it was when she was well, and the few times now when her mind is clear.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rQqhKqKzJqdSTVzaFO0dOsWNB73qNB6GP_gu-5_w2U5xVP5vq8X7Qdsmz8f57CaRABnp0TSbKMoqNotyiP016Z_mv6Ffm6AjDWq7aIleoRLdUgKPu3bMws2XwPiVbVP-MikFWR400e98/s1600/IMG_1445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rQqhKqKzJqdSTVzaFO0dOsWNB73qNB6GP_gu-5_w2U5xVP5vq8X7Qdsmz8f57CaRABnp0TSbKMoqNotyiP016Z_mv6Ffm6AjDWq7aIleoRLdUgKPu3bMws2XwPiVbVP-MikFWR400e98/s400/IMG_1445.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She still likes her sweets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGm0vRDdaJE-DVc2drlaHSJDxB40Y01s48Zyn3yjh-rhLupt6RA8jRkBRRX3O_rfpktsuIplYTUbyD3L9blHkZqaL2kVzPl6Rnql0GQV5XjUqa7CmVZrtSnMOB0mA_BugFS5RXHytIUs6/s1600/IMG_1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDGm0vRDdaJE-DVc2drlaHSJDxB40Y01s48Zyn3yjh-rhLupt6RA8jRkBRRX3O_rfpktsuIplYTUbyD3L9blHkZqaL2kVzPl6Rnql0GQV5XjUqa7CmVZrtSnMOB0mA_BugFS5RXHytIUs6/s400/IMG_1495.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a delight in being a little boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nzHLvj7IicO4-kWApdm1O7mPvlabDamGdIHtSxyKwKDOYk4Erm6sYIwXxsD7mZoG7EHXP1oBzWZzH3fTkEeAnZGLe57sRP0cEJHPfHgh_5yvjPo0Wv25u-uCMHXqqG6zz3KMu-bzQSaD/s1600/IMG_1553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nzHLvj7IicO4-kWApdm1O7mPvlabDamGdIHtSxyKwKDOYk4Erm6sYIwXxsD7mZoG7EHXP1oBzWZzH3fTkEeAnZGLe57sRP0cEJHPfHgh_5yvjPo0Wv25u-uCMHXqqG6zz3KMu-bzQSaD/s400/IMG_1553.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And I realized I never want this to change</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-91143983999293763042016-02-29T07:21:00.002-08:002016-02-29T07:21:31.042-08:00My brother ErickDear JJ,<br />
<br />
It is February 29th, and this would be your uncle Erick's birthday. Erick was my closest oldest brother in age, but sadly he was born with such severe mental retardation that he was institutionalized from a few months of age.<br />
<br />
I wrote about him shortly after he died. That link is <a href="http://alaskandad.blogspot.com/2012/07/erick-simpson-1955-2011.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
So today a bit of me feels the loss.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJqEKfVPJyBkbRKN3sme1zL5IDqOwLpsOi9ESGLEHqLYRN4VLxscvgclOSQpJuN4WiTUE8TnPAOiQ5DN5TDwIjwrW6LtTFsAfy4zSnDewTLUuerd-H-q1tuWtzKv_kxPj4zPpixY0u9Ae/s1600/JES+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJqEKfVPJyBkbRKN3sme1zL5IDqOwLpsOi9ESGLEHqLYRN4VLxscvgclOSQpJuN4WiTUE8TnPAOiQ5DN5TDwIjwrW6LtTFsAfy4zSnDewTLUuerd-H-q1tuWtzKv_kxPj4zPpixY0u9Ae/s320/JES+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric, Jimmy, and Ron - my three brothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-7231072012995927912016-02-22T11:43:00.002-08:002016-02-22T11:43:20.380-08:00In Dementia You Brighten Her DayDear JJ,<br />
<br />
I don't know how much you will remember Grandma Simpson, my mom. Sadly she is sliding more into dementia, having more difficulty even knowing where she is.<br />
<br />
The decision to move her to a memory care center and away from her husband, my dad, of 67 years is hard to imagine. But she needs the extra care, and my father who has been faithfully taking care of her most personal needs has to have a break.<br />
<br />
But one thing brightens her day - and that is you.<br />
<br />
On Valentine's Day we went there to see her, and even though she had been in a wheelchair and sleeping, she saw you and smiled. Remarked about your curly hair. And sprung out of her chair to walk us out to the car when we went home - with a spring in her step.<br />
<br />
You are her only grandchild. And even when she was in the hospital a few weeks ago after falling and breaking her wrist she was happy to hear that Grandpa Simpson was at our house with you. She said, "Oh, he needs some more grandpa time."<br />
<br />
You make all of our lives happier, son. You have no idea.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBEMIhJYuCrhS46NbszXaVluF4hmVG8EyiP0Ho8FDm__TWPAq0l9P0QcSERFYFmwLXPx5dx5TCAKXUckoT35GBL-bPz5drUyKtO1QXnZATZXrYiN_fTcoA7SLA_Kqm5z7xMwaEH4_-DlT/s1600/IMG_1439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBEMIhJYuCrhS46NbszXaVluF4hmVG8EyiP0Ho8FDm__TWPAq0l9P0QcSERFYFmwLXPx5dx5TCAKXUckoT35GBL-bPz5drUyKtO1QXnZATZXrYiN_fTcoA7SLA_Kqm5z7xMwaEH4_-DlT/s400/IMG_1439.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six Years Ago Mom and Dad Frame Our Wedding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3IXmrgwXL8d-FfhrmqI33xSKFER6Qbqx-i7qDakc5k6dU_qo1kDRrSE-V8g5ogUtY2xRajavzThKrwBO4DjHPH_Thy3OIDv_gl1jwG39j1LOkJWRH1_uTe9umJVXAoTT4UGW1rMZUxY8/s1600/IMG_1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3IXmrgwXL8d-FfhrmqI33xSKFER6Qbqx-i7qDakc5k6dU_qo1kDRrSE-V8g5ogUtY2xRajavzThKrwBO4DjHPH_Thy3OIDv_gl1jwG39j1LOkJWRH1_uTe9umJVXAoTT4UGW1rMZUxY8/s400/IMG_1440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though her mind is going, she still has one of the finest palates I have known - skeptical about a glass of Silver Oak - she did like it ultimately </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0d0IBcUHXTRFNYCDDPeVt8c2bN4fEoyLx_SlinGEGPVJ650uyrhxDHDRdB1FN9myJi5kONR6BeKkAagE_GMlc0p188_bXvIpdkGdGAL6Nbnuxw7NDBolabM_r8r98NmDP_8wq43D6sR2/s1600/IMG_1451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0d0IBcUHXTRFNYCDDPeVt8c2bN4fEoyLx_SlinGEGPVJ650uyrhxDHDRdB1FN9myJi5kONR6BeKkAagE_GMlc0p188_bXvIpdkGdGAL6Nbnuxw7NDBolabM_r8r98NmDP_8wq43D6sR2/s400/IMG_1451.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom enjoying a rare glass of wine at our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-80947894723101374222016-01-22T09:03:00.003-08:002016-01-22T09:03:45.949-08:00First Acceptance<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzopDoN0NyUU9TvRnYEhNMa0vhABzPWxcBAZXBg3ty_a4so1AzpP532P5OsGss_URBbqxaeCTTI0xprKLh4Tqhm6sQwipO3CHnJVeol_2V4zNwEvXVzHL1VsAeJcfnGia0zXN4mZlVi9j/s1600/IMG_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzopDoN0NyUU9TvRnYEhNMa0vhABzPWxcBAZXBg3ty_a4so1AzpP532P5OsGss_URBbqxaeCTTI0xprKLh4Tqhm6sQwipO3CHnJVeol_2V4zNwEvXVzHL1VsAeJcfnGia0zXN4mZlVi9j/s400/IMG_1038.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your Pre-School. Every Thursday I get to take you there - it is "Daddy's Day."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-cwaaHgWSKelprpFrtKGGmCnBhb-g2ZXTNe1igpSmgjP6DGighzbqinCucQWSrAU1FD_iahbCMUgBfJSZyagL-W5aNhoOM6Avr83TDkPR9JEqGsINGy6kJd4QQBc67U7R4CFN7OdOAxp/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-cwaaHgWSKelprpFrtKGGmCnBhb-g2ZXTNe1igpSmgjP6DGighzbqinCucQWSrAU1FD_iahbCMUgBfJSZyagL-W5aNhoOM6Avr83TDkPR9JEqGsINGy6kJd4QQBc67U7R4CFN7OdOAxp/s400/IMG_1077.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still my favorite helper in the kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb88A4gYFIp5whs0I6NS8eUDgvy7MSgWRuC-9yUPOEf1AS1vUSlmzTE5YwlFuZuQ4tqLb7o_wN4aezAzatjOBdV2zobzVwEZfnnkg-FGsmcAwIaSC_J1pEU88tAJY2S93tEHjKVq3Su-rR/s1600/IMG_1086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb88A4gYFIp5whs0I6NS8eUDgvy7MSgWRuC-9yUPOEf1AS1vUSlmzTE5YwlFuZuQ4tqLb7o_wN4aezAzatjOBdV2zobzVwEZfnnkg-FGsmcAwIaSC_J1pEU88tAJY2S93tEHjKVq3Su-rR/s400/IMG_1086.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your Christmas concert - you have the sweetest voice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Your mom is thrilled - you were accepted to a charter school run by Great Hearts. It is a good school, and your buddy from pre-school, Liam, is there.<br />
<br />
Your mom and I then began the process of wondering - how will you do, is it the right fit, and all of those questions that our parents never had about our school because there was not a choice.<br />
<br />
But then I had a bit of sadness. You are growing up son. They say that by the time you are 18 years old you will have spent 90 per cent of the time with us that you will spend in our lives.<br />
<br />
The other day I had to spend eight hours in the hospital ER with my mom, Grandma Simpson. She had fallen and broken a wrist. On one hand I was a bit upset that the hospital ER was so inefficient at discharging her. Then I remembered that I have spent probably 98% of the time I will ever spend with my mom. During those eight hours my mom smiled, was lucid, was happy, and it was good to be her son and enjoy her company during that time.<br />
<br />
Right now I can't wait to get home from my business trip and give you a big hug. I'm glad you're my son, and glad you came into our lives.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dadterrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4844564169647983515.post-35921772448149798652016-01-13T06:55:00.001-08:002016-01-13T06:55:13.323-08:00We will always be your mom and dad<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmCVdpK1jzwFt8Hro4th7F1X-RlJOFkuracvABCrdT2lKMH9OctM6HiRtM7so0BIflBZNgzQ40Ex7vOvJ6zUtzMVLAfN6yPdCuULDzOO29RKL2eCvS7VqVh-m_ZDn-SNgNli4QuwIpnBD/s640/blogger-image--780813276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmCVdpK1jzwFt8Hro4th7F1X-RlJOFkuracvABCrdT2lKMH9OctM6HiRtM7so0BIflBZNgzQ40Ex7vOvJ6zUtzMVLAfN6yPdCuULDzOO29RKL2eCvS7VqVh-m_ZDn-SNgNli4QuwIpnBD/s640/blogger-image--780813276.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and dad at our house<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Dear JJ,<br />
<br />
Over the past month we were able to get my mom and dad to move to Phoenix to be closer to us. It is never easy but among the lessons I learned was this:<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad are still mom and dad.<br />
<br />
I took a tumble just outside their apartment and hobbled in. Mom hugged me, sat me down and asked if I needed anything. My dad said he had some ibuprofen. Both with concerned looks, both instantly became the mom and dad of a little boy of theirs.<br />
<br />
We love you son - I hope to see you grow up - but no matter how old you will be, if something happens we will still be mom and dad. We will still want to help you, comfort you. It is our nature.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
Dad<br />
<br />
<br />terrysimpsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14424555585534089465noreply@blogger.com0