Storytelling

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Dear Holly: You Got to Ride in the Moving Truck

8 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

As I drove the moving truck from our home we are selling in Tennessee to the home we are moving into and renovating in Alabama, the cab was filled with guitars and TV screens.

However, after we unloaded the truck at our Alabama home, I had to drive a little over an hour to return the truck in Georgia.

Your brother turned down my amazing and generous offer. But you did not.

We were sitting up as high as most 18 wheeler trucks.

Whereas in a normal car you can barely see out the window, in the 26 foot long moving truck, you had what was basically an aerial view; compared to what you are used to.

I was so happy for you to keep me company, riding shotgun in the moving truck!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Moving Day

13 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

Last Friday, your best friend Landon showed up to say goodbye, as his dad and I loaded up the moving truck for our move from Tennessee to Alabama.

I am fully confident the two of you will not grow distant after our move. After all, his entire family drove to Alabama for my 40th birthday party, back when we only had known his parents for a week or so.

Though it happened too quickly for me to capture it on camera last Friday, I did witness what I perceive as the first and only time the two of you hugged.

Because, you know… it’s a guy thing. Gotta play things cool.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Last Day as a 2nd Grader in Tennessee

8 years old.

Dear Holly,

Today I walked you home from 2nd grade for the final time. Not only was this your last day of the school year, but it was also your last day of school in Tennessee.

This weekend, our family is officially moving to Alabama!

Mommy and I will be picking up the moving truck tomorrow.

Despite all the boxes we’ve already moved to our new house in Alabama, we still have a living room full of more to move out… plus all of our furniture!

You were proud to get your new summer shoes in the mail this week: Pink slip-on Chuck Taylors.

New shoes, new house, new school, new state…

Your life is about to change in a big and exciting way.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Wrapping Up Your 1st Season of Baseball

13 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

We’re now down to the last few games of your very first season you have ever played on a baseball team. The way I see it, this has served as the perfect way for you to prepare and practice for try-outs next school year when you officially transfer to your new school in Alabama.

You have proven to be independently and intrinsically motivated to continue to learn how to approve your skills.

In addition to your dedication, I have also seen your frustration. It has possibly been more of a learning curve than you expected.

But you are still focused on playing baseball on a team once we move.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: I Thought You Were a Teddy Bear

8 years old.

Dear Holly,

It was a morning like every other. I had just got back from the gym and was headed to the closet in my bedroom to change clothes.

You typically are there in my bed when I get home in the mornings, as you are usually watching some silly kid’s show on your tablet.

But on this morning, as I got closer to the bed, my initial perspective was that were you smiling at me while all bundled up underneath the covers, instead.

It took me a couple of seconds, but I finally realized:

“Oh, Holly’s playing a trick on me. That’s her teddy bear.”

Conclusion: You smile just like your teddy bear.

Love,

Daddy