Dear Jack: You Decided You Need to Start Wearing Cologne Now

13 years.

Dear Jack,

Nonna and Papa came up to visit this weekend. It was inevitable they would naturally want to go shopping at Marshall’s and that you and your sister would want to join them.

It was apparent beforehand how this thing would work out: Neither you nor your sister would come back empty handed; as “early Christmas presents” naturally presented themselves.

Your sister was proud to get a pink pair of Crocs.

As for you, you have been quite focused on obtaining some Tommy Bahama Maritime cologne; as apparently, all your friends are wearing cologne now.

Sure enough, there was a gift set of the cologne that even came with a bottle of body wash and… aftershave.

You now officially wear cologne.

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Jack: So… Maybe Take a Break from Losing So Many Teeth?

13 years old.

Dear Jack,

Exactly three weeks ago on your 13th birthday, you randomly announced as it was nearly time to walk out the door to go to school:

“I think I can pull this tooth.”

Within a couple of minutes, it was out.

For each week that has followed since, the same thing happened; as if it were a scheduled weekly occurrence.

For the record, you have now lost three teeth in a span of two weeks.

A few nights ago at dinner, you mentioned how it is now a bit difficult to eat, due to your lack of teeth these days.

So yeah, maybe take a break from losing any more teeth for now?

 

Love,

Daddy

Dear Holly: Rockin’ Around Our New White Christmas Tree

7 years, 7 months.

Dear Holly,

My entire life, I had always wanted a white Christmas tree. It seemed that it would simply add to the Christmas magic.

I had totally forgotten, but last year after Christmas, Mommy ordered a new Christmas tree for our home- and the decision in our family was unanimous in choosing a white tree! So this past weekend, we set up the new white Christmas tree as a family, for the first time.

I insisted we take a family photo in front of it before we left to go to church on Sunday morning. Fortunately, Mommy shouted out, “Now let’s do a silly one!”

 

Love,

Daddy

Songs I Wrote in 2023: “Rescuer” – 5th of 13

While writing my Enneagram book this year, I was inspired to compose a song about Enneagram 4. My son is a 5 wing 4, so I have definitely witnessed his need for a “rescuer”, though he won’t let it be me because I continually make myself too available for him.

Here is the song this concept inspired:

You think you need a rescuer – Someone to help you feel special – You think it could never be me because I’m not the one who’s out of reach – It’s a complex where you see yourself as different – Like an outsider could never understand it – But I’m standing here describing it to you – Maybe I need a rescuer too? What if all this time you believed a lie that something was missing in you? What if all this time everything you needed was never out of view? What if you only chase the things that always run away? What if you never embrace the things that ever keep you safe in this world? What if all this time I was more than qualified to empathize with you? What if all this time I could see the blind spots that covered your eyes?

Songs I Wrote in 2023: “Where Are My Enemies?” – 4th of 13

At the time I wrong this song, I had not yet realized that I was an Enneagram 9. Through the process of writing my book, I suppose my true self was beginning to reveal itself.

I also feel that part of the process of maturing as an adult is to gain a healthier view of the world by avoiding extreme views and accepting the middle ground; therefore, you begin to see people as more human in the process:

I never need to take a side – I don’t need to be right – Somewhere in the middle – I’d rather keep it simple – That’s where I’ll be- The in-between – Ain’t got time for arguments – I’m making time for common sense – What a waste with these debates – Echo chambers – Nothing changes made up minds – What a waste of time – Not gonna fight you – Nor try to spite you – I’m making peace and taking names – Where are my enemies? Who are my enemies? I can’t think of anyone who needs my hate instead of love – I only want the best for you – We’re not in competition – We’re on the same team – That’s the way you look to me – My strategy is to compromise – My battle plan is to bridge this divide – Somewhere in the middle – I’d rather keep it simple – That’s where I’ll be- The in-between