I Kan't Spell

 
Afternoon Pops,

We've taken to calling you all kinds of nicknames. You should get used to it- your Mom and Dad do this all the time.

I was just trying to think of a couple but I couldn't for some reason - else I couldn't spell them but trust in knowing that we call you a lot of different things... all loving... some funny...

So yesterday was my birthday and I have to say for the first time in my life I didn't truly care all that much. I mean I did but all I thought about - for the most part - was you. Ya see... you start off everyday for your mother and I in an amazing way. Your little face and your little body learn and change all the time. You smile more than any creature I've ever known.

And with every smile it's like a gift in and of itself. I know that sounds cliche - and you may read this and not know what cliche is just yet - but let's just say it's something your mother and I try to avoid being at all costs. As a matter of fact you will probably miss out on many things in life in hope of avoiding being cliche (disney world, ocean city, merry go rounds, etc...)

I wanted to write to tell you that you are the greatest birthday present a person could ask for. And you and more your mother make my life wonderful in some way every single day. And thank you for that...

Tomorrow or soon - as I seem to be lacking on the regular posting of letters - I will write to you about your first meeting with your Great Grand Father.

All my love,
Dad
Link posted by JVMM : 4:45 PM

 
Morning Ella,

You were sleeping with Mommy when I left so I didn't have a chance to say goodbye.

I thought about you on my way into work and I thought, "What would be my legacy to you in this world?" "How would I explain to you what my life was about?"

That's not only a tough conversation to have with a child but it's a tough conversation to have with yourself.

There has always been on constant in my life that I've stuck to and wanted to follow. And when thinking about the meaning of life or what becomes of one's total experiences it echoes through my feelings.

That constant, is that life is about making as many memories as possible. Don't ignore the world. Be a part of it. Meet people and enjoy them. Experience as much as you can and pack it all in as fast as you can and then find a time later on when you can settle and remember and write and share. And then do it all over again.

I don't know where I am in my life right now when it comes to that mantra. Sometimes I feel very lost. And sometimes I feel very alone. And that's not anyone's fault. That's just the way my journey goes. That's the way my journey has always gone. You love, you learn, and then you stop and you reflect and sometimes you get sad or you get serious. But there is always another horizon...

And then... you came along... and now it's ok to slow down. It's OK to appreciate everyday life... you don't have to live fast and pack it all in. You can slow down and love. Your mother taught me that. She moves in her own way... and if you pay attention to her... she can show you new things.

So my advice - if you were old enough to read this, would be to celebrate your life as much as possible. You only get one and believe me... it doesn't last nearly as long as you think it does. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up and don't be afraid of doing something that you think you won't like. If other people enjoy it - wholesomely and easily, than I believe that joy can live in every human heart and there's no reason you can't enjoy it too.

Have a great day changing our world!
Love Dad
Link posted by JVMM : 9:23 AM

 
Dearest Ella,

Boy did Daddy just have a long day. It's all winding down now and I thought I would write you to tell you what a wonderful little charm you are to have in my life, well our life.

Ya see, your mother and I celebrated our 2nd anniverary last night. We bought each other gifts and whatnot - but to be honest - the highlight of the evening was whether or not you would like the sweet potatoes that she had mashed for you.

Not that your mother and I don't love each other dearly - but ya see - that's what you do to lives. You make them about more than just us... you leaf all the selfish aspect of who we are - maybe not selfish - but the self-centered aspect of who we are... it becomes about you, us, and our family. And I wanted to say that I love you for that.

Daddy will be home soon!


Link posted by JVMM : 9:16 AM