Another One Leaves the Nest

Yesterday, Zach left for Columbia to stay with a friend until school starts on the 15th.

Leave-taking is such an awkward experience. Not at all as intense as a death but not nearly as casual as "Have a good day."

Nate spent the night with a friend, so, Donna and I did some further cleaning and then went out to supper in Liberty at Uno to talk, remember, and just "be" with the moment.

I thank God for strong, independent children who cannot be content unless they fly.

So, here's to you; Dan, Christina, Elizabeth, and Zach. For all you do to find and keep your integrity and greatness, I am thankful.

Love, Dad

Thanks

Thanks, Christina and Elizabeth for your help with Zach's graduation and Nate's Big Birthday Adventure! You both amaze me with your creativity and kindness.

Love,
Dad

Zach's Graduation

Zach graduates at 1:00 pm at the Dave Goodwin Field House in Cameron.

His graduation party is from 6-7:30 at the Skating Rink.

He has been pretty busy with his new job at Walmart in the Lawn and Garden section, while continuing to work at the movie theater. To his credit, despite a daunting semester of extra curricular and volunteer activities - most in leadership roles - he has managed to do well in his classes.

Still no word yet on some key scholarships. He knows of one for sure.

Love,
Dad

Christina's eyes

Just got word from Christina that her surprise bout with conjunctivitis while in NC is about over. She got good medical help and she seems in good spirits.

Thanks, Christina, for calling.
Love,
Dad

Birthdays

In the past few weeks we have been celebrating birthdays for Zach, Nate, Aunt Donna Wilmot, Dad Rose, and Marguerita Garcia.

Why observe the annual rituals? You may have different reasons. Here are a few of mine (in no particular order of importance):

• It becomes too easy (living miles apart) to take each other for granted. I want to remember always what value there is in each person that is irreplaceable and irreducible to what one produces or earns or contributes.
• Occasionally, birthday cake tastes really good and no one wails on you for consuming unneeded carbs.
• It is an excuse to indulge in generosity that trumps just about any reason not to.
• Bithdays bring us together and for a few moments, at least, we are a tangible family.
• Ignored birthdays don't go away, they just get lonelier.
• Getting older is way better that not getting older!

Why do YOU celebrate birthdays?

Love you always,

Dad

Welcome!

Every time I reconnect or share a special moment with one of my children, I miss them all.

For that reason, I've created a way for all of us to stay in closer touch when it is convenient for you.

To keep the site from being spammed, I'll ask you to email me with your preferred email address and I'll ask the blog site to recognize your address for future postings.

While it need not be profound (we're always glad to celebrate the small victories and comiserate with the little defeats), I hope that this can be a quick and informal way that we can enjoy a little more support and love as each of us works hard to make the world positively different wherever we are.

I love you. . . all the time.
Dad