Letter #9
Dear Bill,
Yesterday was your birthday. You would be 38, which to me feels a lot older than it should. I guess that comes with the territory. We ate tacos and the boys and I made a peanut butter cake in your honor.
I broke two toes this past weekend and I flooded our kitchen the previous week while replacing the filter for our reverse osmosis system. My dad got a very panicked phone call from a very wet me. I got it figured out, and I am confident in myself enough to do it correctly next time so I won't be buying additional flood insurance. We had a door break off one of the cabinet hinges and I think I will save that for my dad to fix while they are here over Christmas. My handylady skills are maxed out for a bit.
I am happy to report that all the boys are doing well in school, and they are all obviously exited for the holiday season. This week Owen had a music/art/PE showcase at school and both he and Landon had holiday parties, all of which the parents are invited, and expected, to attend. There is always a sting associated when I attend these things alone, without you. And sometimes I cry and get looks from the other parents. This is the new normal and I am sure that will all ease over time.
The first semester of middle school has been much easier that I thought it would. Blake rides his bike to and from school every day unless it is actively snowing or the roads are icy, which isn't very often. He loves the freedom and independence it gives him, and while I was hyper vigilant about tracking him on the GPS those first few weeks, that is not the case anymore so I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for that. Truth be told, I was just as anxious about all the homework he may have had, in particular the math. He is doesn't usually have much though and he is doing really well in all his classes. In the event that he does need help with his math, he lovingly asks me what time Dave will be home when I ask him about his homework. Dave is always willing to help him and he is so patient and it is a neat bonding experience for the both of them.
We miss you more than we could ever describe. I would cut off my right arm just to have a five minute conversation with you. We all have our moments, or days, when the pain of your absence is overwhelming.
AND we are very happy.
We love Dave and we love the three kids he has brought in to our lives. We are excited about all that is in store for us as a family of 8. Dave is a really wonderful man and an incredible father. He is so good with our boys and they are so fortunate to have him in their lives.
I am not quite sure what I ever did to deserve the two of you, but evidently I must have done something right. Thank you for all of the many gifts you gave us and thank you for teaching me to love like this. The grief may be overwhelming sometimes, but the love is also and that is a really incredible thing.
Love always,
Bri
Yesterday was your birthday. You would be 38, which to me feels a lot older than it should. I guess that comes with the territory. We ate tacos and the boys and I made a peanut butter cake in your honor.
I broke two toes this past weekend and I flooded our kitchen the previous week while replacing the filter for our reverse osmosis system. My dad got a very panicked phone call from a very wet me. I got it figured out, and I am confident in myself enough to do it correctly next time so I won't be buying additional flood insurance. We had a door break off one of the cabinet hinges and I think I will save that for my dad to fix while they are here over Christmas. My handylady skills are maxed out for a bit.
I am happy to report that all the boys are doing well in school, and they are all obviously exited for the holiday season. This week Owen had a music/art/PE showcase at school and both he and Landon had holiday parties, all of which the parents are invited, and expected, to attend. There is always a sting associated when I attend these things alone, without you. And sometimes I cry and get looks from the other parents. This is the new normal and I am sure that will all ease over time.
The first semester of middle school has been much easier that I thought it would. Blake rides his bike to and from school every day unless it is actively snowing or the roads are icy, which isn't very often. He loves the freedom and independence it gives him, and while I was hyper vigilant about tracking him on the GPS those first few weeks, that is not the case anymore so I'm giving myself a big pat on the back for that. Truth be told, I was just as anxious about all the homework he may have had, in particular the math. He is doesn't usually have much though and he is doing really well in all his classes. In the event that he does need help with his math, he lovingly asks me what time Dave will be home when I ask him about his homework. Dave is always willing to help him and he is so patient and it is a neat bonding experience for the both of them.
We miss you more than we could ever describe. I would cut off my right arm just to have a five minute conversation with you. We all have our moments, or days, when the pain of your absence is overwhelming.
AND we are very happy.
We love Dave and we love the three kids he has brought in to our lives. We are excited about all that is in store for us as a family of 8. Dave is a really wonderful man and an incredible father. He is so good with our boys and they are so fortunate to have him in their lives.
I am not quite sure what I ever did to deserve the two of you, but evidently I must have done something right. Thank you for all of the many gifts you gave us and thank you for teaching me to love like this. The grief may be overwhelming sometimes, but the love is also and that is a really incredible thing.
Love always,
Bri
Bri, Read this today and I am breathless. So from the heart and so healthy. I love that you talk to Bill about Dave. As I type I look right out my office to where this love for you started and I am holding back the tears. They are warm tears. A mix of loss and happiness for where you and the kids are now. Wish I could just walk across that street and hug all of you. Love you always. Kiss Dave for me and squeeze those kids all 6 of them. Sending a wink to Bill too.
ReplyDelete