fatherhood

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Dear Jack: Doctor Squish Squishy Maker

14 years, 8 months.

Dear Jack,

I love to see how it is a regular thing now for you to proactively find ways to help your sister. It was the middle of the week during the middle of the day, while Mommy and I were both working.

Your sister needed something new and creative to work on, so we pulled out one of her birthday gifts she got a few months ago: Doctor Squish Squishy Maker.

Thanks to you, she was able to make sort some of slime-filled water balloon ball.

I guess in a way, it felt like we had a “3rd parent” there to help entertain your sister while we worked. I really like this concept because it’s not only helping Mommy and me, but I know it means a lot to your sister as well; as it provides quality time for you and her.

Love,

Daddy

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The Local Burrito Company Closed

14 years, 7 months.

Dear Jack,

Right as we moved to Fort Payne a year ago, a new restaurant popped up called The Local Burrito Company. It immediately became one of your favorites.

Not only that, it became your official Wednesday dinner tradition. Every Wednesday night on the way home after church, I would take you to The Local Burrito Company..

It became a joke that the people who worked there didn’t even have to ask for your order. They would just see you walk with in me, then immediately start making two vegetarian burritos:

One for that night and one to heat up the next day.

Sadly, I took you there for the final time last week; as they have now closed down.

We’ll have to find you a new Wednesday night tradition for dinner!

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jack: Watching Your Sister’s Dance Recital

Dear Jack,

14 years, 7 months.

This past Saturday, our family attended your sister’s long-awaited dance recital. We knew going into it that it was going to be at least as long as a Star Wars movie- and that’s not counting the fact we arrived an hour and 20 minutes early, to ensure we got decent seats.

As you sat next to me the entire time, I recognized that you and I were sharing the same perception of reality:

To our surprise, we actually found it to be a bit of a relaxing, therapeutic experience.

It’s funny to think we spent so much time watching a bunch of other girls we didn’t know doing their dance routines for their families, yet we didn’t mind it.

We just felt the vibe and went with it.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Holly: Your Warmies are Taking Over!

9 years old.

Dear Holly,

Each night as I tuck you into bed, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the way your Warmies are clearly taking over. The current count is 10 of them in your bed.

I crack up at the sight of 10 smiling faces looking at me, in addition to you next to them. And the fact that your 10 friends are all microwavable… it just makes the whole thing more hilarious.

Yesterday morning before you left for school, I noticed your Warmies baby Gracie decided to try to help Mommy get a head start for work.

You are my favorite 9 year-old girl!

Love,

Daddy

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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