12 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

Exactly one week from today, you will became a teenager! You were so excited to be able to “open” your first birthday gift: A brand-new mountain bike from Nonna and Papa!

It’s actually been several years since you’ve gotten a new bicyle. A few years ago when you outgrew your old one, I happened to be taking my morning walk and found a bike that was put out next to the garbage for pick-up.

That became your bike for these past few years, until you decided to rebuild it with some parts of your sister’s outgrown bike earlier this year.

But here recently, as you’ve been going fishing to the creek about a half a mile from our house, it has been difficult for you to drive that silly bike there with your fishing gear.

As for this week, you have been able to enjoy riding your new mountain bike to go fishing.

It is such a perfect gift for you for your 13th birthday!

Love,

Daddy