Sundays

Dear Offspring,

Just in case you were wondering, being the preacher means that Sundays, while Biblical "days of rest," are far from stress free. So after a busy morning at church, the last thing I want to come home to is a house full of stress and anxiety. So help me out with these simple steps. One, do what your mother says ( without question, explanation, complaint or comment). Two, refer to step one as often as necessary. And Three, make sure I never know when you fail at 1 and 2. Denial is usually not acceptable, but on Sundays, consider it mandatory.

Your Loving Dad

Walmart

Dear Offspring,

Although you apparently doubt it, compared to many children you are well exposed to public spaces. You have traveled internationally. You take regular vacations. You have been to concerts and theatre productions. You also eat in restaurants with table cloths and table service. So why do you feel the need, whenever we go to Walmart, to act as if we never let you out among decent folk? All home training goes out the window, you get a glazed look in your eyes, and develop a maniacal giggle. Now I do understand the strange power Walmart can have over a person.  I have gone in for something simple and routine, and left 5 hours later feeling drugged and having bought a singing Barney and a 25 pd bag of cat litter simply because it was on sale. Walmart does strange things to folks.  But the next time you get all get crazed, I am gonna leave you for your real parents to find. Besides, think of how much cat litter I can fit into the empty seats. We might even have room to get a cat.

Your Loving Dad

The In-Between Time

Dear Offspring,

Today is Holy Saturday. We have left behind the drama of Good Friday, but are not yet ready for the celebration of Easter. So we are waiting. I know it seems so much of our life is in these in-between times. We have yet to embrace our new life in Forest, but are constantly surrounded by the reminders that Eupora will soon be our home no longer. I know it is frustrating. I know it is scary. But it is where we are. The important thing is not that we are waiting, but how we wait. We wait together. So we will keep packing (I promise it will not kill you, although I might if you whine about it again!); we will keep cleaning out ( and remember, once it is in the trash bag, it is gone); we will keep struggling with sadness and excitement; and we will wait with all the mixed emotions and anticipation this day deserves. Just remember, we will never wait alone. That is unless I stomp you in the ground because you rolled your eyes at me just one more time.

Your Loving Dad

Holy Week Miracle

Dear Offspring,

I would like to point out that tonight you witnessed a miracle. You all played outside, happily, without fighting, until the street lights came on and we called you in to dinner. Then you came in laughing, talking, and commenting on how much fun you had together. All of this without electronics, or cat fights. See, it can be done.

Your Loving Dad

The Days Of Youth

Dear Offspring,(at least some of you)

Enjoy the amazing benefits of youth while you can. These days when life is full of the excitement of learning new things, will soon be replaced by days of work and responsibility. These days that are filled with the wonder of possibilities, will soon be replaced by the lessons of realities. And finally, the worries of watching your pants grow too short, will soon be replaced by wondering why they keep getting too small.

Your Loving Dad

 

I Hope You Dance

Dear Youngest Offspring,

Although I will never understand your obsession with Disney's "Teen Beach Movie," I do pray that one day your dancing ability will catch up with your love if music. Thanks for being you!

Your Loving Dad

Doctor's visit

Dear Offspring,

I want to take this moment to impart a word of wisdom as it comes to mind. Always be nice to the receptionist at the Doctor's office. She owns you.

Your Loving Dad

Perspective

Dear Youngest Offspring,

I want to thank you for the gift of perspective. As we have dealt with all the stress and emotion of our upcoming move during the last few days, it is often easy to overlook some of the simplest, yet most profound realities. When asked how you felt about moving, your response was quite simple... "Is there a pool?" Sometimes we need to be reminded that even during life's transitions, the simple joys are always a constant. Thanks...and yes, we will find a pool."

Your Loving Dad

Life is Like a Bus Trip

Dear Offspring,

At the danger of waxing poetic, your recent field trip has made me reflective. Life is like a field trip. Often times we think we know what to expect from the trip, but often find we journey into the unexpected. There are times when we are uncomfortable with either circumstances or, most often, our inability to control them. There are times when we think we are headed in the right direction, only to find ourselves making the block or missing a turn. There are times when we must rely solely on those we do not know or trust. But in spite of the challenges, or sometimes because of them; the journey will offer unexpected surprises, hidden gifts, laughter, love, and if we are lucky a little grace.So never fear where the road may lead. Just remember to smile and keep a "bus load" of friends with you. And it always helps if some if those friends actually have skills. 

Your Loving Dad

MY Sons

Dear Oldest Offspring,

There have been many times during these years that I have wondered just who your "real parents" were. I mean if I had not been there to see you draw your first tiny breath, then in those moments when you act like total freaks;

I would be convinced the hospital switched kids. But then there are moments like these, when faced with the option of dinner and a hotel pool with your friends; you choose a quick dinner with me, followed by pajamas and tv in the hotel; that I have no doubt you are my boys.

Your Loving Dad

Bus Trips

Dear Oldest Offspring,

In just a few short hours I am going to get up early, on a day off, to board a bus with you and other 5th and 6th graders for your field trip. And while according to the State of Mississippi, you are all gifted students, the fact remains it is still a bus load of almost junior high kids. And once on this bus in the wee hours of the morning, I know that you will spend the next waking hours engrossed in video games and friends, only speaking to me when you need snacks, to change games, or when it comes time to pay for something. The rest of the time you will be "too cool" for me, and that is OK. Because deep down, I know you are glad that I am there, even though you might not say it. And deep down, though I won't admit it, I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Your Loving Dad