fatherhood

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: An Extra Photographer

8 years, 5 months.

Dear Holly,

I feel like it’s pretty much official by now: Aunt Dana has largely replaced me as your main photographer.

Since we live in the same town as her now, and considering that you and your cousin Darla are in the same classroom, Aunt Dana often happens to be where you are; when I am not around.

She sent me some photos of you, Darla, and your friend Charlee last week. I responded, “I was at the school book fair. You got a lot of pictures that I didn’t even know you were taking.”

Turns out, there was also a “during school hours” version of the book fair that I didn’t even realize was taking place earlier that day. But Aunt Dana was there to capture the moment!

Otherwise, I would have had no clue that event even took place.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: Our Apple Picking Adventure

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

Since moving to Alabama, we as a family have adopted a collective theme of “making life meaning and beautiful”. It’s all part of our new ability to “live a quiet life”.

Now that our Saturdays are no longer filled with house renovations, we get to go have fun as a family; participating in meaningful and beautiful activities together.

We recently visited Little River Orchard in Mentone; where we picked apples. It was a new experience for you!

Then, that afternoon in preparation for guests coming over to our house for dinner, you and your cousin Darla helped Mommy make an “apple crisp” for dessert.

We live a a meaningful and beautiful life… because we are making it meaningful and beautiful.

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: You Have a Football Mom

13 years, 10 months.

Dear Jack,

Well, it’s evident you have fans, as an 8th grade football player in a new school.

Not only do you have family members willing to drive an hour away during the tale end of business hours to watch you play, but you also have a mom who spent time carefully ordering several football shirts to wear to your games.

She’s got your name and number on her shirts, themed with your team colors.

You may not be able to realize it now, as you’re living it in real time, but you are surrounded by family and friends who keep showing up for you.

And we are proud of you.

It’s undeniable that playing football is bringing out a new sense of confidence in you.

You show no fear out on the field and you are always eager to be a part of the action.

This is clearly such an important part of your development as a teenage boy. I love being able to see this play out.

 

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, parenting, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Holly: You’re Around Here Somewhere

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

With Aunt Dana and Uncle Andrew living on the same street as us, it is now a common occurrence that I don’t necessarily know where you are sometimes, I just know that you are A) being well taken care of and B) having fun, whatever you are doing.

Earlier this week while Mommy and I were still working, Aunt Dana started sending me pictures of you and your cousin Darla at what I now know is called “Cook With a Book”.

Only just now as I am writing this, I learned it was hosted by the local high school FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America); collaborated with the local elementary school library.

You had a great time… even if I didn’t know where you were or what you were doing at the time.

And that’s one of the many reasons I love living here in Alabama.

There’s always something unique going on- and we never have to pay to park!

 

Love,

Daddy

Leave a comment Posted on fatherhood, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Dear Jack: It All Worked Out to Move Here to Alabama

13 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

A couple of weeks ago, I introduced you and Mommy to one of my favorite movies of all time: Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks.

The opening and final scene, showing his character at a literal crossroads, has always been powerful for me.

Looking back on our family’s version of 2024, I can see how that scene is specifically relevant for us.

I will never forget the moment we were driving back from Alabama to Tennessee during the Summer of 2023 and out of nowhere, you blurted out in the car:

“I wish we just lived in Alabama.”

Here we are, a little over a year later and your wish came true.

To think, as a family, we left behind our former lives in Tennessee. And now, it seems so long ago when that was our life.

We’ve only lived in Alabama for a little over 100 days, but it is almost laughable how there is absolutely zero hesitation about our move.

It was our family’s decision, based on what you said. Had you not said it, I don’t know that we’d be here in Alabama now.

This week, I had the confirming thought: “It worked.”

We left our lives behind in Tennessee and started over. Specifically, you and your sister left behind your school and friends.

And everything is fine. It worked out.

In fact, we’re all undeniably happier here. So I suppose we have you to thank for blurting that out in the car last summer:

“I wish we just lived in Alabama.”

 

Love,

Daddy