parenting

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Dear Jack: What It’s Like Watching You Play Football

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

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Dear Holly: Cheering On Your Brother at His Football Game

8 years, 4 months.

Dear Holly,

To support your brother at his football game this week, you and your cousin wore matching cheerleader outfits to the event.

This was actually the first football game you have ever been to in your life- now that I think of it.

You seemed to have a good time there.

And that’s good- because we’re all going to be spending the next two months watching your brother play football at his games.

You definitely liked the part about Mommy giving you some money to spend on concessions. You came back with a Coca-Cola.

Fortunately, despite the caffeine so close to bedtime, you had no trouble falling asleep.

And I love the drawing you brought home from school this week. In your opinion, Fort Payne will win the football games because A) your brother is playing on the team, and B) there are lots of good cheerleaders.

You truly support your brother and his team!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Your 1st Football Game This Week

13 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

There is a saying: “Well that escalated quickly!”

That is exactly how I feel about you playing football: Just a couple of weeks ago, you started a brand-new school in Alabama; to which you were quickly recruited by your new friends and the coach.

Last week, I started picking you up everyday after school from football practice.

And now, this week, you played your first game?!

Uh… what?

That’s you- number 37 out there.

I would have never guessed this. But the reality is…

You play football and you love it.

This is totally your thing. Out of nowhere, with no previous consideration before moving to Alabama.

But this is you now.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Picture Day for 3rd Grade

8 years, 3 months.

Dear Holly,

Last week Mommy had to spend a few days working in Nashville, which meant it was just you and me and your brother here at the house.

We managed fine, until realizing Friday was picture day at school.

Fortunately, Aunt Dana volunteered to get you all fixed up; in addition to taking you and your brother to school each day.

I just dropped you off at her house about 15 minutes early and she gave you what I call “the beauty pageant treatment”.

That’s one of the many benefits of living 0.2 miles from family.

We are definitely not used to that. We used to be nearly 3 hours away from family.

Now we live on the same street!

Love

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Lawnmower Man

13 years, 9 months.

Dear Jack,

Having a lawn to mow is a new experience for our family. For the nearly decade Mommy and I lived in our townhouse, there was no lawn to mow. Then, at our house we lived in for nearly a decade before moving here to Alabama, the HOA paid a company to do that for all the residents in our neighborhood.

But now, we officially live on nearly an acre of land which we are responsible for mowing.

I personally have plenty of experience mowing the lawn while growing up as a kid. In college, I made money in the summers mowing lawns for people.

While I was definitely willing to get starting again by mowing our lawn, I’ve yet to have that opportunity, as you have so far proactively done it yourself each week… for ten bucks a pop.

I predict that next spring, we will invest in a riding mower. I’m guessing you’ll still get 10 dollars each time, even though the job will be a lot easier then!

 

Love,

Daddy