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Dear Jack: Your New Quarter Zip Pullover

15 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

I observed how over the past month or so, you have been curious about owning a quarter zip pullover. I definitely remember what it was like being a teenage boy, when my wardrobe was mostly just cool/weird t-shirts and baggy pants, but how I still had a couple collared shirts and one pair of chino pants for when I needed to wear something nice.

Last Friday night after work and school, we made our way to Scottsboro for a Publix and TJ Maxx run. The one thing you sought out while we were there was a quarter zip pullover; as I could tell you wanted another “nice” item to be able to wear.

Fate would have it, our family ended up on stage at church on Sunday, as our family was asked to light the advent candles. You got to debut your quarter zip pullover.

Our friends Mohamad and Lena also happened to drive over from Tennessee to visit us here in Alabama last weekend as well. When Mohamad took a photo of all of us together at our house, what did you decide to throw on?

Your quarter zip pullover.

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Serving as a Greeter at Church

14 years, 11 months.

Dear Jack,

This past Sunday was “Youth Sunday” at church, where the high school kids led the entire service. You were asked to serve as a greeter, as you were responsible for welcoming people at the front door and handing out the the programs to them as they entered.

I wasn’t sure what you would think of serving in that way. But afterwards, you confirmed that it went well and you enjoyed it.

This is something I figured would be out of your comfort zone. Fortunately, I was wrong.

I am proud of you for continuing to develop your social skills and that it actually was a good fit for you!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Going to Church on Wednesday Nights

14 years, 3 months.

Dear Jack,

For me, being active in the youth group at my church was a huge part of my teenage years.

Of course, as soon as you started school here in Alabama, you quickly were recruited by your new friends to join the football team. And it just so happened that several of them all went to the same church.

We are there every Sunday as a family, but specifically on Wednesdays while your sister is at dance class down the road, I drive you to church.

I definitely appreciate that you want to be there with the dozens of other kids in your youth group, while I am at the men’s Bible study.

Last Wednesday as we crossed the street to the church, two of your friends ran to catch up to you: “Hey, there’s Jack!”

I was so proud. Not only do you want to go to church on Wednesday nights, but you have friends waiting for you there.

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Your Mother’s Day Gift Was Not Wearing Sweatpants to Church?

12 and a half.

Dear Jack,

I reminded our family Saturday night that there would surely be a specific photo opp for Mother’s Day at church the next day.

So Sunday morning, you came downstairs wearing jeans; as opposed to one of the dozen pairs of Nike sweatpants you wear pretty much anytime “pants” are required.

I said out loud, “Jack… you are actually wearing jeans? You never wear jeans. When’s the last year I have seen you wearing jeans?!”

You explained, “That’s my gift to Mommy for Mother’s day: I’m wearing jeans to church, instead of sweatpants.”

Granted, you still wore your Champion “slides” instead of real shoes… but nice effort!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Our 2nd Father-Daughter Dance at Church of the City

6 years, 10 months.

Dear Holly,

Not to be confused with the Father-Daughter Dance we had a couple of weeks ago at your school, you and I went to one this past Friday at our church; Church of the City in Spring Hill.

You had fun the entire time, as we danced up near the front of the stage.

And by danced, it largely consisted of you continually saying, “Daddy, swing me!” So yes, I spent much of the time being completely dizzy from spinning you high in the air, like you were on a ride at an amusement park.

Naturally, some of the other girls saw what you and I were doing, and therefore, tried to get their dads to do the same.

I will say: My 5 days a week of weight training are paying off. Otherwise, there’s no way I could be physically fit for the Cross-Fit challenge that you incorporate for me in every Father-Daughter Dance we go to!

 

Love,

Daddy