Dear Number One

Today makes 11 months you've been in the world, Number One. Grampus looked back and realized it had been far too long since I wrote anything about that. I'm sorry kid. I got caught up in some realizations about my eyesight and the future. 

335 days, my grandson. Not quite a year, but that's coming even faster than either of us can really understand. Time is this strange facet of our existence. Right now it's passing slowly for you, but faster than you'd ever believe for your parents and other adults who love you. 

If you're not walking yet, that's coming any day now. And in a blink after that, you'll be running. And you'll run everywhere, just like your Dad did when he was young. I remember watching him at playgrounds, wondering where in the world his boundless energy came from. He and your Uncle D would run from the merry-go-round to the swings, to the slide... both of them utterly lost in the enjoyment of the moment.

When your Uncle B joined us, the three of them would bound across the trampoline, engage in light saber battles and arguments over their fatigwa and inVENtoree (ask your Dad about Morrowind). I know your Dad will derive as much pride and joy in watching you grow as I did watching him and your uncles. It goes so, so fast. 

The wheels are in motion for your GrandMam and I to come home, but we're not sure just yet what the future holds for your Dad. He's making an important choice right now. I hope he decides to head home and rejoin your Uncles. You need them and your Aunts, and they all need you, too. I know your Dad will make the best decision for his family, but you can't blame a man for having his own hopes about that decision. I can't help but hope you are there to greet me and your GrandMam when we join you all back in the US. We miss you so very much!

You grow somehow every time I see you, son, but your demeanor and disposition remain quite consistent. Your mother has done such an incredible job of creating and maintaining a wonderful environment for you, and I assure you... that's been no easy task. I love your Mom very, very much. Your GrandMam and I both do. She's a wonderful mother to you, and a wonderful wife to your Dad. Nobody is perfect, son. Not even me! I know, I know... THAT one's a bit tough to believe, BUT... it's true. =P But your Mom is a blessing and I'm so grateful God put her in your Dad's life. You are an extremely fortunate young man to have her as your mother. That much I can promise. 

And your Dad? Ah, son... There isn't enough time or space for me to try and explain how awesome I think he is. He will stumble, and he will fall like we all do. But I am confident that he will always rise, remade into a better version of what he was before. He's already fallen quite a bit. He's even been knocked down by others and situations beyond his control, but he's standing again... Tall, stronger, wiser... You're lucky to have him as your father. 

I think you're kinda lucky to have me as your Grampus, but we old men tend to have fantasies about our own greatness and importance. 

Big changes are on the horizon for you and your parents, son. I pray they both have the wisdom and humility to make the very best decisions, keeping what's most important first and foremost. And what's most important?

Your precious family. 

Happy 11th month, Number One. Your Grampus and GrandMam love you and miss you so very much!