Picking you up

Dear JJ,

Today we had "Dad day" in pre-school.  We made some art for mom, played in the fake kitchen, read stories, had a snack, and played in the playground.

It was a great day but two things stood out.  One is minor- I was the oldest dad there - and even the grandfather who came in was younger than I was.  That is minor but it made the other more important.

When we went to the playground, and running around you fell down and skinned your knees.  You cried and came to me to pick you up. Holding you and making you feel better is one of the best things a dad can do.

My dad, your grandpa, is 89 years old.  Recently he found out something that happened that bothered me at work. He asked me why I didn't tell him about it.  Not that there was anything he could do, but he is still a dad, and wants to be there to make his son feel comfortable.

But I realized, in ten years I may not be welcome to come to your school, and when you get hurt you may not feel comfortable coming to dad- but I hope that you do.  Because no matter what age- this dad always wants to be there for you, to comfort you.

I love you son,

Dad

Your School Photos from This week- a handsome boy

Getting old

Dear Son,

I noticed that all of my friends are  aging, but some are "getting old."

The other day I was in Alaska and visiting with some people who are older than I am - dinner was going to be later - not a problem.

Your grandparents:  your granddad - last year decided to go see Normandy for the 66th reunion of the invasion.  Your other grandparents still working in Hong Kong.

Then there was this friend of mine I had not seen in years. Was going to be in the same city - but even though it had been years, turned out it was too late and too much to drive at that hour.

We all age - we can't help it. But I hope I am a dad that isn't "old."

Love,

Your aging but not old dad

Your mom and I - we do what it takes to get the shot

No matter where we go- it is always with you

And we are always ready for the next adventure

Lucky Family

Dear JJ,

Perhaps it is normal for a dad to always worry - and I do. But one thing I feel lucky - you have some amazing relatives. My mom, your grandma Simpson, told me that I was lucky to have married into such a nice family.  Then I thought how lucky I was to be raised by wonderful parents - who just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary - and you were there!

As I write this you are in Atlanta visiting your mom's sister, auntie Kim, and her husband, uncle Bob - some of your favorite people (mine too).

You are lucky, son -- a lot of good people around you.  Older dads think about this, especially me - as a doctor I know mortality too well.

When you are older you will be horrified by how people treat each other - and at that moment you will probably think "Dad was right, I was lucky to have such a wonderful family around me."

Miss you son,

Love,

Dad

Gigi got to spend time with you -here we are at the beach in Oregon

Sept 5, 1948 - 65 years my parents were married and you got to be with them

With your best girl - mom

Every night you say "goodnight moon, " and in a recent trip to San Francisco you got to see a lot of it

And then your best buddy, Lucky - here he is pulling you around the pool

First day

Dear JJ, 

You won't remember today - but your mom and dad won't forget it. Your first day of pre-school. 

For three years your mom has been your constant playmate, companion, and friend. This is very hard on her. Your mom is amazing. She has loved this more than any who knew her would have imagined. 

Today you first had to go to the doctor to get your records - traumatic enough and then to school. 

It means you are growing up and that is ok - we have loved every stage of your life. 

One day you will go through this - sending your child to school- 

I love you son. Even though you will have many friends and "best friends" but we will always be our son and I hope when you get to be a young man that I will be your friend. 

Until then enjoy your time in school and know I think of you there every day

Love,

Dad

That sweet voice

Dear JJ,

You have the sweetest voice. This morning when you asked for milk, then asked to be "cozy" (your way of asking me to tuck you in) - that high little voice just makes me smile.

Your mom has taught you well, saying "please" and "thank you" and "you're welcome." It just adds to your charm.

Probably when you read this your voice will have changed - but I hope one thing never changes: your sweet nature - always smiling, always happy, always polite. No matter where you go in life, people can always use a smile and being polite is always in style.

Love,

Dad

Your self-portrait. You take the camera and shoot photographs

You love being in the kitchen

And I love to help you

3rd Birthday

If you  are going to eat - or do anything in life- do it with gusto!

Dear JJ,

When I tell people that you are three, they all are amazed "where did the time go." Or they say, "Enjoy him, time goes by fast."

But it hasn't. These have been my best years, and  time has slowed down and I have enjoyed these  years more than any in my life.

Last week when you and your mom came home from Canada, as you came up the jetway and saw me you came sprinting toward me,  yelling "daddy, daddy, daddy," and jumped into my arms. There isn't any better joy a dad can have.

There will always be challenges in life, but when I come home to you and your mother (and Lucky) it is all in perspective - life begins here.  It took me a long time, and a little boy to teach me the important things in life.

Love,

Dad

Picking herbs in our garden for the pizza

Riding your tricycle down the hall - first time you were able to use pedals - the day before your third birthday

Even at the gym they knew it was your birthday.

Goodnight Moon

Dear JJ,

Tomorrow night you will be home.

Before you go to bed we will outside - where you will look up and point at the moon. Then as we go inside you will stop, turn and say, "goodnight moon."

Being a dad is the best job I ever had.

Love,

Dad