13 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Last weekend, we drove to Gadsden and Scottsboro on a search to find you some more clothes for school. Silly me- I had expectations of spending decent money on a preppy new wardrobe for you, consisting of polo shirts and nice jeans.

Nope.

While you did snag a couple of vague t-shirts from American Eagle, you were much more interested in an urban-themed store called Snipes.

You spent most of your time shopping there. After much consideration, you chose a NASCAR t-shirt as well as one with Tupac that says, “Keep Ya Head Up”.

And I suppose that phrase is what I will have to keep reminding myself at each of your football games.

I’m sure, as your dad, I’m supposed to be more like, “That’s my boy out there! Number 37!”

Instead, the real game going on in my head is this:

I just celebrate each completed quarter that you don’t get injured.

Therefore, your team “won” the game this week; despite what the scoreboard said.

I’m keeping my head up- and so are you!

Love,

Daddy