Storytelling

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Dear Jack: 8th Grade Awards Day

14 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

During this last real week of the school year for you, we attended your school’s 8th Grade Awards Ceremony.

You received an award of Academic Excellence in English, a Special Recognition award in Science, and a Best Artistic Artist award for art.

And on top of that we were there to see your cousin, Calla, be awarded several awards as well.

I know you were definitely proud; especially knowing this was your first year at this school since we moved from Tennessee nearly a year ago.

And of course, I am so proud of you. It makes me wonder… did I have something to do with you turning out to be such an amazing kid?

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Trip to Build-A-Bear for Your 9th Birthday

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

For your first birthday party since we moved to Alabama, I was certain you would choose to have it at Alice Circle; which is like the ideal place for 9 year-old girls.

But no- instead, you chose… to not have a birthday party?

I suppose you overheard Mommy and I talking about how much a birthday party would cost and then thought to yourself, “Well I could get a lot of gifts for less than a birthday party would cost…”

So in addition to your many birthday gifts you received, you asked if we would take you to Build-A-Bear; as we happened to have a trip planned to Nashville the week after your birthday.

You chose a kitty. And you decided she definitely needed a cheer squad hoodie, and 4 shoes, and to be lavender scented. Oh, of course she needed her own cell phone.

Seems like things a 9 year-old little girl would think of…

Grand total at Build-A-Bear: $76.

Still cheaper than birthday party, right?

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: High Speed Go-Karts

14 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

This past weekend we took a day trip back to Nashville, as we still make an effort to catch up with our friends there every couple of months.

Since you got your PlayStation 5 last Christmas, you and your old neighborhood friend Aiden have been playing your games together online.

So you spent the whole day with him, doing 14 year-old boy stuff:

You both went to see the Minecraft movie… a 2nd time now.

You both went axe throwing… something I have yet to do.

And your personal favorite, you both went Music City Kartplex, where you both got to race at a “high speed go-kart” facility.

Oh, and you both got to play your PlayStation 5 games together, in the same room, at his house.

So yeah, you had a good weekend!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: What We Did on Your 9th Birthday

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

Exactly a week ago for your 9th birthday, you chose to have your birthday dinner at Toke, where you could get some sushi. (I didn’t even know what sushi was when I was nine!)

Then we came back to our house to enjoy Nonna’s homemade strawberry cake you requested.

The birthday celebration will continue this week, as you have requested to go to Build-A-Bear.

You certainly have no shortage of stuffed animals, especially if we are including Warmies.

But, you are still a kid, and I love to watch you enjoy things that are for kids, while you still are one!

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Getting Your Car Running

14 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Just two weeks ago, it was all about the anticipation of whether the deal would actually go through on you getting your dream car through the estate sale.

This past week, the focus has shifted to you and Papa actually getting your car running. And apparently, it didn’t take quite as much time and effort as we thought.

In fact, Papa was even able to let you drive down the driveway and learn the basics of how not only how to drive a car, but a stick shift.

You and I both have vehicles that are a manual transmission, which have become so uncommon these days.

We will both be of the minority who still practices this lost art.

Love,

Daddy