Merry Christmas Dad...

So many people this time of year send newsletters out to their family and friends and I thought I would write one to just one person, my Dad.

Dear Dad,

This is your second year away from us and we miss you each and every day, especially at the holidays. It seems like every since you went away the family has kind of gone its separate ways, with Mom in one corner of the country and me in another. We still talk all the time and visit when we can but there is always an empty spot where you should be. A lot has happened over the last year and in case you missed any of it watching down on us I figured I would give you the cliff notes version.

Your favorite dog Milo is now into high fashion and wears sweaters. He was always cold and ever since Christy came to visit a year ago October and we got him a sweater he has been addicted to them! He now has a collection and even Mom is sending him new ones, including snazzy ones for the holidays! Even hoodies! Although he doesn't like the hoodies very much and gets really pissy when his ears are covered. It's really funny. He spends most of his spare time when he's not bossing the bigger dogs around sitting on me or Adam or Lexxy and sleeping. We still call him Stinky and he still sleeps on my head at night.
It was a hard year this year Dad where I was unemployed for a while but we got through it. I learned what I need to live by and what's truly important. I feel lucky to have found a new job so quickly while others in the country are still looking after being unemployed for months and even years at this point. I will make it through, I always do :)

We didn't really travel anywhere or have any good stories to tell of adventure but I do have wonderful stories to tell of reconnections with old friends near and far with whom I am blessed to have back in my life after many years absense. You know the old saying about new friends being silver and old friends being gold, well these friends are definitely 100% pure and remind me of what true friendships and acceptance are all about.

This year I turn the big 4-0 Dad... ugh! The clock is ticking and I feel under pressure to finish things I have on my list of ambitions. Things I should have completed in my twenties. I guess we always have time, but as we all know, you never know when your chances will suddenly run out and I don't want to leave anything unfinished in this lifetime when I leave it so many years from now, G-d willing.

Mom is happy and healthy and living a quiet life out in Oregon. She and Tom seem to love being retired together and do a heck of a lot of gardening. He is teaching her how to play golf and occasionally she cuts his hair. She hopes to get to Atlanta for a visit in January, depending on the weather and such. Tom is a nice man. He loves her and that's what's important. Personally, he's not you and he never will be but I am learning to accept him as her spouse, slowly but surely. You will always be my Dad though, that will never change.

For Christmas my one wish would be to have a great dream where you and I would have a good sit down conversation face to face. I could live off of that for months :)

I miss you Dad and wish I could just ring you up. Merry Christmas Dad. I love you