Letters to Joseph

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:36:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,Grandma and I were happy to have you visit this weekend. I thought we had a lot of fun at the wedding and playing at the house. We could not believe how you have grown and how much energy you have. In fact, you exhausted us all. I don't know how your mom keeps up with you.

Anyway, I am glad you made it home safely. Did dad tear down the wall?

I l;\ook forward to seeing you for Thanksgiving, but I need to rest up between now and then.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:58:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

Papa wanted to share this picture with you. I took it at the museum when you, dad and I went there. I keep all these pictures to help remind me of wonderful times and to remember how you looked at the time. You are growing so fast that it is hard to remember how you looked just a few months ago.

I hope you enjoy it.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:58:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

Papa had a really good time with you last week. I especially enjoyed the time we spent with Dad at the museum. You looked like you were having fun.

This seems to be an important time in your young life. Soon you will go to pre-school. Of course, you need to first learn to use the potty, but I know you will do fine.
I am putting up a picture of the Thomas The Train Trip we took with Mom. Hope you like it.

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,
It was fun watching you on the computer screen with Grandma. You were going nuts. I mean, I never saw such energy. Maybe it is time to put it to good use, like for hiking or swimming or paddling/rowing a boat (soon I will explain to you the difference between paddling and rowing). I will see you soon. Meanwhile, here is a picture of Papa paddling in a kayak.
Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

You sounded great on the phone yesterday, even though your mom says you have been sick. She has been sending me your pictures by phone, and they are wonderful. I miss you. You are growing so fast it is hard to believe. You are already running the place, but you will soon be old enough to realize it.

I'll be seeing you soon when I come to Ohio to visit you. Plan some good stuff for us to do. And, when you visit here next time I will put up the tent in the back yard (weather permitting).

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:08:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

Your last visit here to see Grandma and me left us both exhausted. We forgot how much energy two year old children have (you mom was just like that). I have a picture of you holding the straps from my car while I unload my kayak. Next time you are here, and if you want to, I can let you sit in a kayak. I will stand right there in the water with you so you will be safe.

I am jealous that Grandma and Aunt Tammy and Squeaky are going to see you this weekend. I will ask them to give you a hug from me and to take some pictures so I can share the experience. Meanwhile, you stay well and keep exhausting mom and dad. After all, it's your job.

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,
Papa is far away in San Francisco, California. It is my 68th birthday, and I am here to do my cardiology teaching seminar. All things considered, I would rather be home with Grandma and You, Squeaky and your moms and dads...especially since Sunday is fathers' day.

Don't forget to give your dad a big hug. He loves you so much, and he is a good man.

And remember,
Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:25:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

Happy birthday, again, and thanks for the great pictures. You are one good looking dude. I have to say that my favorite pic is the one of you next to the piano as you hold up your hand. It looks like you have just finished playing some sonata or something and have stood to acknowledge the thunderous applause of the audience. Or maybe the photographer told you to hold your hand up. No matter, it is a great shot.

Already 2 years old. My how time flies. My how you've grown. My how you continue to bring joy to so many live.

Remember,
Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Sun, 31 May 2009 11:59:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,
It is hard to believe you are already two years old; and it is amazing how much you've learned and how much you've learned to do in that short time. I say short time because for some one who is Papa's age time seems to go fast. On the other hand, when you are young, time seems to pass slowly.

No matter, I (along with your grandmothers and grandfather, Michael) have taken so much joy in watching you grow. It is clear that you have a bright future and the talent to become a wonderful young man; but don't rush it.

Let time pass slowly as you savor each young year and learn new things. Enjoy the changes in the seasons and in your body as your mind stores away lessons and experiences that will one day serve you well.

I wish you and mom and dad lived closer to us so that I could be with you more often. Maybe one day. For now, happy birthday (I hope you got my recorded birthday song), and L'Chaim.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,
Well, you now have a cousin. Your aunt Tammy and Uncle Ben had a baby girl who they have named Adena (but I think a lot of people will call her Ady). Just think, as you two grow up, you will be her big cousin, and she will learn a lot by watching what you do. That is how a lot of us learn to do things and how to behave. We watch good people, like your mom and dad, and see how they handle different problems. That way, we learn from their experience and then try it out to see how it works for us.

You will be two years old very soon and able to do more and more things each day. I hope I will be able to watch you grow up, along with Adena, so that I can take joy in all that you do.

Don't forget to send pictures of you, mom and dad. I miss not having you guys closer, and the pictures help me to stay in touch with how fast you are growing. I love the videos mom sends me of you doing all sorts of stuff. Just remember:

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 13:20:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

Thanks for helping shovel snow when you were here. Right now, it is starting to get warmer and the snow is gone. You know that you live further south than Grandma and Papa, so it stays colder here for a longer time.

While you are rapidly growing and learning, Papa is getting older and slowing down a bit. That's what happens to older people. It is normal and it is okay. Sure, I can't do some of the things I could do when I was younger, but I have found many other pleasures to enjoy. You are one of them. I take great joy in our telephone talks, even though you are usually in the bath tub when they occur.

As far as new stuff: Aunt Tammy will be having a little baby girl soon. That girl will be your cousin and my grand daughter. That little girl will also be your Mom's niece. Confused? It will all make sense soon.

I guess we may see each other in Chicago, but I am not yet sure of the dates. Until then, remember...Papa loves you.

Papa

x

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Dear Joseph,

It was wonderful to see you and the two people who rent space with you. I was impressed on how well your vocabulary is coming and how well you are beginning to express yourself. You are really growing up fast.

Now, it's your turn to visit Papa. You can bring your mom (I guess dad has to work). Grandma will be here with some other less famous relatives including Aunt Tammy (and her female fetus) and Uncle Ben Weiss.

If it works out right, we might be able to get over to the swimming pool (indoor) where Papa will show you some kayakers doing stuff in their boats.

I already miss you, and really look forward to seeing you soon.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:04:00 +0000

Let's Get Together

Dear Joseph,

I really miss not seeing you. You are growing and learning so fast that when I do get to see you it is as if you are another person. I miss your smiles and laughing, and I miss your hugs. So, I am going to fly into Dayton on Friday, January16th. I will rent a car and drive to Cincinnati and visit with you and Mom and Dad for a few days. I will have to leave on Monday, so think about what you would like to do while I am there.

I hope to see you in a few weeks.

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:35:00 +0000

Corner Pocket

Dear Joseph,

I was thinking to day how music has always been a big part of my life. I have learned to play all the instruments and was once pretty good on the trumpet. In fact, I played at the wedding of Aunt Tammy and Uncle Ben Weiss. By now, I am guessing that you know that there are lots of kinds of music.

There are slow love songs and waltzes and up beat jitter bugs. I taught your mom and Aunt Tammy to jitter bug dance when they were teenagers, and I have had many really wonderful times dancing with them. That kind of music is what we call swing music, and I think it has the best beat in the world. It really speaks to my heart, and it was always my favorite music to play.

Ever since you were able to stand up you would begin to move in a certain way when ever you heard music. I wonder if you will come to like it as much as I have. Perhaps one day soon Mom will go to U Tube and put on THE COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA - CORNER POCKET. I'd love to see how you take to that. Hopefully, there will be times for us to listen to music together or go to hear live music like I used to do with your Mom.

Just remember 2 things: 1, It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing, and 2:

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:53:00 +0000

Learn From Nature

Dear Joseph,

It is getting cold outside, and we will soon be seeing snow on the ground. When I was a little guy, I used to wonder what happened to all the animals during winter? Where did they sleep? How did they stay warm? Where did they get their food? Actually, I worried about them. After all, some of the squirrels and birds were born just a few months earlier. How could they know what to do?
A lot of young animals learn just by watching their parents and imitating what they do. You probably do a lot of that yourself. Like we humans, the parents will scold the little ones when they do something dangerous or wrong. They do not scold them to be mean, they do it so that the little ones will learn things that will keep them safe and warm as winter comes.

I hope you spend some of your time watching all this and the other things nature has to teach. Spending time watching clouds and how the weather changes; watching how the squirrels mix work and play; seeing how the trees and flowers bloom in spring and fade in winter; all these will teach you a lot about life and how to stay safe. Watching the animals can teach us a sense of being responsible for taking care of ourselves so that we don't have to rely on others. Watching the parents gathering food and feeding their little ones teaches us to nurture one another and to help those who need our help.

I believe that fast cars, houses with closed windows and heat and air conditioners, staying inside too much and a lot of other things about the way we live has separated us too much from Mother Nature. She has a lot to teach us. Watching her and the animals and the plants can open up a world of rich beauty and knowledge that you cannot learn in school.

I hope life will allow us the opportunity to sit in a field and just watch together. I hope there will be time enough for us to sit in a boat or a kayak and feel the power of the water as we bob up and down (I will write more about this another time). I hope that we will have time to watch the clouds together and see how many pictures we can spot up in the sky. We shall see.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Work

Dear Joseph,

I am sorry I haven't written lately. I have been concerned with work. I know, I am retired, but I would like to be useful and wouldn't mind earning a bit of money. Being 67 years old and away from medicine for a while, it is hard for me to find something for which I am comfortable and can do well.

Work is an interesting thing, even for you at such a young age. What it means for you now is that Dad is often away, and I know how you and Mom miss him. Why does he do that? Because he loves you and is willing to work hard to provide you with the important things in life. That's why most dad's and mom's work, for the sake of their children and themselves. He also does it out of self respect. He wants to take care of the things in his life because he feels that is his responsibility.

Interestlingly, half of the people in our country are unhappy at work. Some don't think they are paid enough and some don't like their bosses or coworkers. Since you (like myself) will spend most of your adult life at work, it is most important that you find work that you love. Sure, you need to get a fair salary and decent treatment, but it is still the work that matters.

For me, I used several things to decide on what I wanted to be when I grew up. First, I had to be interested in what I was doing it. There is nothing wrong with digging ditches for a living...if digging ditches is satisfying work for you. Next, I wanted to do work that mattered. Although all work matters, my work had to matter to me. If I would have become a car salesman and made a million dollars from it, it would not have felt as if I had done something that mattered, something that mattered to me and the rest of the world.

It is also important to be proud of what you do. Earning a lot of money by dishonest means is, in my judgment, shaming and damaging to the soul. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it the best you can. If you are going to be a dish washer, be a good dish washer and earn your money. And don't be ashamed of what ever you do, even if others judge it to be a lowly job. All work is good work.

Men in our society generally identify themselves by the work they do. They will meet you and say, "I am in sales," or some such thing. To them selves, they are salesmen. I am a doctor, but a doctor is not who I am. Who I happen to be, my values and beliefs, would be the same if I was a carpenter. The same is true for you, Joseph. First learn who you are, what your soul needs and what your vision for yourself in this world will be. That is and will always be who you are. Then seek work that fulfills that vision, and be proud of yourself for doing so.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:51:00 +0000

Let's Talk About It

Dear Joseph,

It is September of 2008, and you are beginning to say your first words. Half the time only you know what you are trying to say, but that will get better rather quickly. In fact, you will probably be making sentences by the end of the year. So, why does Papa take time to talk with you about this?

As you get older, much of your success, much of how the world perceives you and much of your ability to get things done will depend on your ability to express yourself clearly. When a man can explain things in a way that others can easily understand, he will have more success and others will seek him out for help. In addition, he will be a natural teacher.Too many people say stuff without realizing how ambiguous they are being and how much conflict that can cause. So, how do you become a good communicator? How do you learn to put the right words together in order to make yourself easily understandable to others?

First, you listen in school and learn basic grammar. Most complex problems start when someone screws up something basic. Learn grammar. Then practice. Explain in clear and simple terms why Dad should let you have the car on Saturday evenings. Be precise when you point out to Mom the futility of wasting time to make a bed that you will be sleeping in again in just a few hours.

Seriously, though, read, read, read. Read fiction and see how authors hold you spell bound and draw you into their stories. Read political columns to see how those writers use words and phrases to convince you that their point of view is correct. And, all this time, question what others write. Something may be written well but be totally wrong. That requires judgment on your part and that is a topic for another letter.

Papa loves you (and that's why he writes this stuff)

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:24:00 +0000

Hail to the Mouse

Dear Joseph,

You just went with the family to Disney World in Florida to celebrate Grandma Linda's birthday. I know you don't remember the trip because you were 14 months old at the time. You were a handful and exhausted all of us.

Four generations of the family were there including Bubbie, your mom and dad, Aunt Tammy, Uncle Ben Weise (some day someone will explain why that is funny), Grandma Linda, Papa, Aunt Robin and Uncle Henry. We all flew there and back on airplanes.

As you will know by time you can read this, Disney is a fantastic place with all sorts of rides. You, however, went on no rides but, rather, entertained yourself by running through all the water spouts and climbing on everything you could find. The only time you were quiet (for ten whole minutes) was when I was holding you and you were listening and watching the Japanese drummers. Seems like you like music and rhythms of all kinds.

Although you don't remember the trip, the rest of us do. It was important to us because we all could get together and because you were there. I am sure mom and dad will have pictures to show you. My hope is that I can be around to do some of these things with you when you are at an age at which you can enjoy them...and remember them. That's what families do.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:03:00 +0000

A Gift

Dear Joseph,

Papa has a gift for you. I brought it home from my trip up north where I was camping and kayaking. It is not a gift like a toy, so I will give it to you when you are old enough to understand its meaning. If I am not able to give it to you when that time comes, it will be among my things in an envelope labeled a stone for Joseph. Why a stone?

I an active in a men's group which has adopted many Native American practices. The Indians who originally inhabited this country held sweat lodges (more on this another time) in which water is poured on hot rocks to produce steam. Because the stones/rocks are so old, they/we refer to them as the ancient ones or grandfathers.

When a man travels away from home he sometimes collects a stone from the beaches or water of that area to bring back as a gift. A Native American told me that stones know how to get you to pick them up, carry them to where they want to be and, when they tire of you, make you put them in a new place.

I gathered this stone specifically for you. It comes from the cold waters of Lake Superior or, as the Native Americans named her, Gitchee Gumee. Within the stone is the energy of its place of origin and is a connection between its holder and the place from which it comes. Giving it to you makes it a connection between you and me.

You may keep the stone as long as you like, toss it somewhere or pass it on to someone you wish to have it. I only ask that what ever you do with it that you do so with intention. I hope we will have time to talk about this more one day.

Papa loves you

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Adventure

Dear Joseph,

Tomorrow, Papa will leave on a ten day trip to teach kayaking, to paddle and to do some camping. sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, it is, but it also is somewhat dangerous, and I'd like to talk to you about that.

We guys like sports and all sorts of out door activities. Generally, sports fall into two categories. In the first are sports in which we keep score and judge our success by whether or not we win. Success, therefore, is achieved by beating someone or some other team. This doesn't tell us much about ourselves since we can play poorly and still win if the other side really stinks. But there is the other type of sport, the one that is inherently risky while offering a different reward.

Kayaking, climbing and skiing are such activities. They are somewhat dangerous and can be done with no one else around, at least no competitor. Success here is achieved merely by doing it. Go out in a kayak into a 6 foot surf, have a good and safe time, and you've won without defeating another person. You've won by your wits and skills, and you have to be good enough to beat the elements. The victory is not in the score ( there is none) but, rather, in the self satisfaction of knowing what you can do and having the courage to go out and do it. The only "competitor" is yourself and the elements.

This is the kind of thing I enjoy in life. Marathon running was like that for me. It was me and the clock. I had no ambition to beat anyone else, I was never at that level anyway. I wanted to be able to train and complete the 26.2 mile run, and I did it at an 8 minute/mile pace.

On the other hand, I loved Judo and taught it for years. Once in a while, I would enter matches where the whole idea was to win over my opponent. But, even there, my real challenge was waiting as I stood before a bigger and equally skilled man and going inside myself. My challenge was to remain absolutely calm as I stepped onto the mat, sometimes before large audiences, and took hold of the other man's Gi. Weaker and smaller, I had to remain fully relaxed and calm so that when the other guy made that very slight off balance move, I was able to act out of reflex, with no thought, and with lightening speed, and throw him to the ground.

I hope I get to see what things you like to do, and I hope you find the activities that satisfy your inner callings. I hope you choose what gives you satisfaction and fits with who you are. If you want to play baseball fine, but it isn't for everyone, and you are not everyone. You are Joseph, and I love you.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:54:00 +0000

Another Step

Dear Joseph,
This week, your mom sent us a video clip of you WALKING. I mean, really walking. All of a sudden (so it seemed), the little baby we had come to love was standing on his own two feet and...well, walking.

As you read this now, you may wonder why in the world I find this to be so wonderful. After all, by time you read this you will be...well, reading and, of course, much older. Well, I will try to explain why Papa and others are so happy about your first steps.

Sure, we all went through these stages, but that was years, even decades, ago. Now, having passed most of the milestones of life, I still take delight in seeing you go through them. Your very presence makes me happy. To see you accomplish something new amazes me. You see, Joseph, when you are young it seems as if time passes slowly. Very soon you will want to be older, like the big kids. Very soon you will enter a stage of life where you will give your age in years and months because you will want to be sure people don't think you are one day younger than you are.

During our youth we all want to be older. We believe it is better and, in some cases, it really is. When you are 15 you will want to be older so you can drive. It is normal, and we all go through that time of life. It won't be so long after that that you will find yourself actually being older, in your prime of life. Then, in a blink of an eye (so it seems), we are older, and time seems to pass much more quickly. At that time, many years from now, you will wish you had the body of a younger person along with the agility and strength that body held.

So now, right now, when you are still young, I want you to savor every moment of every day. Like me, I want you to take great joy in each new accomplishment...like your first steps. Then, I hope, you will store those moments in your mind so that when the day comes, a very long time from now, when time passes quickly, you will have wonderful memories of these days. Even better, I hope you will have a grand child like yourself who will delight you with his or her new accomplishments.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Thu, 29 May 2008 13:37:00 +0000

Family

Dear Joseph,
You may just think that family is Mom and Dad. While that is true, but it is not the entire story. Don't forget that there is Grandma Sharon, Grandpa Michael, Grandma Linda, Great Grandma Miriam, Aunt Tammy, Uncle Ben, Uncle David, etc., etc.. The list is getting big, isn't it?

I point this out to you because, as you grow and learn, you will belong to many groups. Perhaps you will be on a team. You certainly will be part of a school class. You may also be part of one or more clubs, and so on. These will be groups of people that share a common goal or interest, and they will be a great source of support as you pursue those goals. As long as you pay your dues, attend meetings and adhere to the bylaws, you will be allowed to remain a member of each group. With family, it is a little different.

Family is forever. There is no need to sign up, and meetings are held when ever. What ever your dreams and goals may be, family is there to support, give advise, scold and even drive you a little nuts. Thing is, there are no dues and few bylaws, and you remain a member even if you break the rules. Now, here is the really neat part: it is a life membership and, no matter how you might screw up (and you will), family will love you and come to your aid...no questions asked.

Right now, you are beginning to see what I mean. As I type this, Grandma Linda and honorary Grandma Robin are in your city. Uncle Omari, Auntie Tammy, Uncle Ben and myself will be coming in another day or two. Why? Because it is your birthday, your very first one; and the family gathers on such occasions to celebrate with one another.

To be sure, there will be times when you will want to quit or resign from the crazies in your family. Happens all the time. Thing is, Joseph, we don't accept resignations. Try as you may to quit, we will not stop caring about you and loving you. So, take the bad with the good, and enjoy your first chocolate cake this weekend.

Happy first birthday. I love you.

Papa

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:11:00 +0000

And So It Goes

Dear Joseph,
It is just a few days until your first birthday, and the entire family is excited and looking forward to gathering at your house to celebrate. It is supposed to be a very happy time, and it is. We just learned, however, that Grandpa Michael's cousin just died, and that makes us sad.

By time you are able to understand this, you will have some idea of the cycle of life and the fact that life is full of happiness and sadness. But, Joseph, there are different kinds of sadness. I will try to explain.

If a very young person is accidentally killed, it is a tragedy, and the sadness is mixed with bewilderment and even bitterness. A young person has been robbed of his or her life, and we are unable to understand why such things happen.

In the case of Grandpa's cousin, on the other hand, we have what I will call a more understandable death. The man, who you will not remember, was a fine person and a very nice individual. I liked him and don't know anyone who didn't. But he had had lots of illnesses and had lived a fairly long life. He got an infection in his lungs and never recovered. His loss saddens us all yet, at the same time, we can accept this loss as a part of life.

I have no idea when I will leave this life. I don't know if I will be here when you can read and understand this. I hope so. But, if I am gone as you read this, know that I had a long and most wonderful life. Perhaps Mom (my daughter) will show you pictures of me and tell you stories about me. I would like that, and it makes me feel good to think I will be remembered. Know, as well, that part of my greatest joy in life has been having you as my grandson and that I have derived a deep inner joy from your presence. You are a blessing in my life.

Be well,
Papa

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:48:00 +0000

How you were named.

Dear Joseph,

Our names are important to us. It is who we are and what others call us. When we hear our name called we turn without thought to see who has called to us. Naming a baby is a big event. In some cultures an animal name is assigned by a medicine man or elder and that name becomes that person's totem animal. It is believed that the person will have all the characteristics of that animal. We, on the other hand, assign a name to honor a person who is no longer with us. Who, then, is the Joseph for who you have been named?

If he were alive, Joseph Kahn would be your great grandfather. He was the husband of your great grandmother, Miriam. Now, you know grandma Linda. Well, she is the daughter of Joseph and Miriam. Linda is also my wife. So, if you can follow all of this, Joseph Kahn was my father in law. More important than all this is the fact that he was a wonderful man.

Joseph Kahn was intelligent and wise. He knew how to be a good father. In addition, he was scholarly and a wonderful teacher. He could not complete college because of financial reasons, but that didn't stop him from a life time of learning. He and grandma Linda both enjoyed history, especially about the civil war. I learned a lot from listening to the two of them talk.

The man for who you are named was, above all, honest and a man of integrity. He was fair. He was kind, and he was stern when he needed to be. He was, as we say, a man among men. Those of us who knew him miss him a great deal. You, Joseph, have been named after this great man who died shortly before you were born.

In you, I already see a certain good natured smile and a calmness (when your diaper is dry and your tummy full) that tells me that you have been named well. I think that Papa Joe is pleased and honored with knowing that you carry his name.

Papa loves you.

noreply@blogger.com (Silbs) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:27:00 +0000

It Was So Wonderful To See You

Dear Joseph,

It was wonderful seeing and being with you this past weekend. I had forgotten how exhausting it can be to take care of someone your age. It seems like it was another lifetime that I was changing your Mom's diapers and trying to get little spoonfuls of stuff into her mouth. I must tell you that, in many ways, you are a lot like she was at your age.

You have that same happy disposition (except when you are hungry, wet, over tired or wanting to be picked up) and radiant smile. I will be watching anxiously to see how your personality evolves and what interests you develop.

No big philosophical lessons or musings today. Just this note to tell you I enjoyed being with you and look forward to your visit here next month.

Papa loves you.