Early Birthday

I am giving you an early birthday present. I am going back to PWLC, and sticking to my diet. I will get smaller for my son. I know it is something you wanted to do, but never accomplished. I know that is part of the reason I don't have you in my life anymore. I am giving the gift to my family, but I am calling it your birthday gift. Love ya guy.

Deja Vu

A few Fridays ago Tanis and i were on our way to spend a fun day together. We had it all mapped out on what we were going to do. It was close to 10 a.m. so the stores were all going to open on time....Then the phone rang. It was the office. Evidently one of the sales associates wasn't able to get a hold of me, and they forgot to call sooner. Change the plans, sorry buddy I got to go to work. I had the worst feeling in the world, I knew exactly how Tanis felt, and now I knew how you felt. I could see that he was disappointed, I could feel the disappointment oozing from the backseat of the car. I tried to make it up to him, but I know that there is no way to make it up, I know all he wants is to spend time with me. I knew because I had been the disappointed kid in the backseat too. I now know that the sacrifices you made for us. I know it is a no win situation. You have to put work first sometimes, not as a conscious choice but sometimes it is the only choice you have. I appreciate all you did for us, and I hope someday my son understands. I hope that he finds himself never having to do it to his son, but that is what a man has to do sometimes. I guess the key is to make enough good memories that the bad ones don''t dominate. Mom talks about not taking many vacations after you opened the shop. I remember enough trips, and I remember the big ones we went on when I was young. I remember little trips that you might not even remember. I remember more good than bad. I still have some bad but the good always win. Love ya guy.

Pride

Pride come before the fall. We are taught to be ashamed of pride, but you taught me that there are times when pride is important. You were always proud of Lansing, and always wanted the city to succeed. You were always proud of the groups you belonged to: Jaycees, Craftsman etc. You were always proud of Michigan State. You always supported your sports teams no matter how good or bad (usually more bad than good) they were. You made me proud to be your son. Your made me proud of my last name and what it stands for. I hope to teach my son to be the man you taught me to be. Love ya guy.