Letters

Letters to my grandchildren

  • Letters

    Thanksgiving Revisited

    November 25, 2020 /

    James – Your First Thanksgiving, 11.26.20 It is Thanksgiving week, and yesterday, your grandmother Lizzy and I watched a video that contained a “Thanksgiving Message” from an industry colleague and friend. In her message, she shared some recent challenges faced by a close friend. She talked about grief, but also about gratitude. Her poignant message spurred me to revisit the meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition which we, as a country, began to formally celebrate as a National holiday in 1863, during the midst of the American Civil War, when President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. But how did this tradition…

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  • Letters

    James at six weeks

    November 1, 2020 /

    James, Today, Sunday, November 1st, you are exactly six weeks old.  And in your grandparents’ minds that is an important milestone. And here is the reason. When your dad was the same age, I was scheduled to attend my good friend Sam’s bachelor party in Washington D.C.  Sam was the best man in our own wedding, and he happens to be your uncle Jack’s Godfather. So, he really wanted me to be there. However, that afternoon before I left, your dad appeared very lethargic. So, as a precaution, I gave your grandmother Lizzy a phone number where she could reach me.  Later that evening your grandmother called me to tell…

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  • Letters

    James at One Month

    October 21, 2020 /

    James, You are so big. You had your one-month check-up today and you were 8 pounds and 13 ounces.  When you were born, you were 6 pounds. So, in one month, you have increased your weight by 46%.  Think about that. You came two weeks early.  So, if I do my math right, in one month you gained almost 50% of the weight you gained in a little over 8 months.  Your mom deserves most of the credit.  She has been so diligent in making sure you get all of the nutrients you need for a great start to grow up healthy and strong.  In addition, your mom and dad…

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  • Letters

    James – Week Two

    October 9, 2020 /

    James, You are so small. And you appeared so fragile, causing my heart to race from nervousness when you were first placed into my waiting arms for the first time.  However, once I got past the thought of dropping you, I focused on your delicate facial features, your breathing, and the little noises you made. And I felt the heat from your little body. I hope you keep that heat with you your entire life – the heat of energy and passion, to fuel you to do good in the world. Our week with you in Maine and Boston is nearing its end. When Lizzy and I arrived at Boston…

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