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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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