parenting

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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

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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

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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

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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