Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

Dear Dan,

Merry Christmas bro! Of course I've been thinking of Christmases past. Mom and Dad used to go through Edmond Scientific's catalog One year you got a oil refinery that pumped colored water through the parts. Very cool. Another year you got a bubbler that worked by the heat of your hand. I was never able to get that to work. There was also a thing you held in your hand, scuffed across a carpet then touched to a door knob and the bulb lit up from the static. Pretty soon you realized it worked by touching people too and you started zapping us. I was able to get to work!

A number of years ago the old family ornaments were divided among the three of us. I wonder what became of the ones you got. I hope they were sold in the estate. I would hate to think they were tossed. I would have liked to have had the one Mom made with your name on it. I also wonder about the stocking Mom made that had your name on it as well. Then I realize I have the most important things: the happy memories. The things themselves aren't important.

I love you Danno.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas in Vermont

Dear Dan,

'Tis the season. Every time I hear the song "I'll Be Home For Christmas," I think of you. I wish you would be home or Christmas. And I guess you will be! Just not in the flesh.

I've been thinking about the Christmases you spent in Vermont with Nan and family. You certainly enjoyed those! I hope they know how much. You didn't like snow usually but you said there was something about Vermont that looked like Christmas should. Plus there were so many people around; lots of activity and noise. Also the way Christmas should be.

You would call mom and me separately on Christmas morning. You usually called  me early in the morning before the festivities began and the house was still quiet. The last time you were telling me about their old dog that would come lay his head in your lap and you would pet it. You sounded so nice, relaxed and at peace.

I think those Christmases were some of the happiest times you had in the recent years and I am so grateful to Nan, Fred, Jay et al.

I love you, Dan.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Dr. Pepper

Dear Dan,

Thanks for stopping by! Nice to see you for at least a moment. You're looking great! Yes, I got the message and I know that it was one of "those dreams."  I watched John Edward enough to recognize a visitation when I get one.

I have two questions. Thanks for the Dr. Pepper but why did it change to cherry Dr. Pepper and then to cherry Pepsi? But it's good to know you still like Dr. Pepper the way you used to.

Second question -- you're not taking mom with you yet, are you? Please don't.

I love you Danno.