fatherhood

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Dear Jack: Turns Out, I Do Have FOMO After All…

11 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

When it comes to “FOMO” (fear of missing out), I typically can’t relate. In most cases, I have JOMO instead: I have joy of missing out.

I usually am so relieved when plans get cancelled. Most people have major trouble believing me when I say I truly am an introvert, but it’s true: I love not having to go do the thing, whatever the thing is- if it involves driving more than 5 minutes, waiting in line, or being in a crowd of people.

But when it comes to being involved in your life and your sister’s, I totally have fear of missing out. I just realized that this week.

It makes sense now why I have faithfully written you and your sister every week of your lives. I see now that it’s my way of being involved as I can in your lives; to always have a souvenir of what we experienced together that week.

 

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: It’s an All Summer Long Slumber Party

6 years, 1 month.

Dear Holly,

I’m not sure how the conversation happened, but at some point once school was out for the summer, you and your brother decided that you would be sleeping on the floor of his bedroom; until further notice.

What’s funny is, he just hangs out in his tent next to his bed and plays his games on his computer until you fall asleep.

So there’s not necessarily any real quality time going on, but the unspoken truth is that you both prefer sleeping in the same room as opposed to separate ones.

I cracked up last Saturday as Jack and I were hanging out in the bonus room, and you discreetly went up to him and whispered to him, “I’m going to bed now.”

As if you needed his approval? And I was right there!

That was hilarious.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You Loved Superhero Day!

6 years old.

Dear Holly,

As your Kindergarten school year is coming to a close, there are often special themes for each day of the week now.

Your most recent favorite was Superhero Day.

Conveniently for you, your brother happened to have a stash of superhero apparel stashed away in his closet- so he gladly got you all fixed up!

You came home that day and told me, “Daddy, everyone thought I was Wonder Woman! Most people didn’t even dress up, but I did!”

I admit, I was especially proud because you chose to wear your “Daddy’s Girl” t-shirt as part of your superhero ensemble.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: You Loved Singing in the Kindergarten Presentation!

6 years old.

Dear Holly,

It’s funny to think about, but because of “Covid Culture” still going on for much of your Kindergarten year, your grade just now had its first and only presentation for all the parents.

Your class dressed up as puppies, as the musical presentation was based on farm animals; called Down on the Farm.

You so proudly sang all the words and did all the months for each song, with such enthusiasm!

I hadn’t realized that I had been hearing you sing all these song for weeks now.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning of your interest in music and theater!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Still Catchin’ Crawdads on a Saturday Afternoon

11 years, 6 months.

Dear Jack,

As you are now in your final month of Elementary School, I am constantly aware that anytime you do anything that a typical boy would do, it may be the last time you do it- because are you now inching into the Junior High phase.

This past Saturday while Mommy and your sister were out at a birthday party, I offered to do anything you wanted to do.

You chose to go to Harvey Park and catch crawdads.

So with your trusty net and small aquarium, you were able to find quite a few creatures in the couple of hours we spent together.

Other kids in the park were quite impressed!

I am so happy to be in your life.

Love,

Daddy