Dearest Rachel – There are some stories that are not really mine to tell, as I don’t enter into them until the second or third act at best, but since Daniel’s not likely to tell it (for various reasons, including that he’s not a writer, as such, and it’s debatable as to how well theContinue reading “Meanwhile, at Home…”
Tag Archives: life
‘Working’ on Labor Day
Dearest Rachel – It may seem a little inappropriate for me to be reporting in to the ‘office’ today – although it’s been pointed out since the holiday was created how odd it is to celebrate ‘labor’ by not laboring – but that’s the beauty of being retired and being able to set one’s ownContinue reading “‘Working’ on Labor Day”
Making Preparations
Dearest Rachel – Since I really want to get this out before I have to leave the house in the morning, this letter is mostly being written ahead of time. Oh, I expect to have a fair amount to tell you about regarding today’s activities, but that won’t be until I get home, and byContinue reading “Making Preparations”
Costco Run
Dearest Rachel – Good news this morning (or, more accurately, from Tuesday afternoon); Daniel called in to the county as instructed on his summons, and it turns out that his services were not required after all, which was a relief. I was fully prepared to escort him down there (despite never having been called toContinue reading “Costco Run”
Can Ghosts Take Care of You?
Dearest Rachel – Given a fairly calm and otherwise uneventful week – it’s too hot and muggy to go walking (and in any event, Lars is being visited by some old friends from Europe, although he’s invited me to join them on Friday when they hit the city in earnest; we’ll see how that goes),Continue reading “Can Ghosts Take Care of You?”
Retirement Home
Dearest Rachel – It’s been one of those days where nothing interesting is happening, at least not personally, which is okay; life doesn’t always have to have something monumental going on in it every day. In fact, if it did, it would get to the point where a boring day would be the most unusualContinue reading “Retirement Home”
Friends First
Dearest Rachel – It’s actually kind of funny; as summer comes to a close, the social calendar ramps up with a quickness. Which is sort of ironic, because everything’s pretty slow during the summer – now that we all get back to our commitments, we’re being called to this or that event on top ofContinue reading “Friends First”
Pretend Everything’s Normal
Dearest Rachel – I feel like I should apologize for yesterday; normally, I can get a letter out to you before noon without fail – and most of it was put together both early and quickly – but the story couldn’t be resolved until the work was done by the repair team when they cameContinue reading “Pretend Everything’s Normal”
A Plumbing Fix
Dearest Rachel – Given that our house is older than even your parents’ place (it was, after all, on the outer perimeter of the subdivision, and therefore built first as part of a row of demonstration models), it was to be expected that we would need to fix up and upgrade the place over time.Continue reading “A Plumbing Fix”
The Process of Discovery
Dearest Rachel – For all that I will tell you about the characteristics that Daniel shares with you, this time it may be something that he shares with me that makes the story. He may be generally inert on his own, but once nudged to do something, he can pursue the matter without further influence.Continue reading “The Process of Discovery”
Entropy
Dearest Rachel – I tend to think of this word as being synonymous with chaos or disorder; slightly more scientific than either of the other words, with a literally universal meaning to it, insofar as the cosmos tends toward it all the more over time (although, on such a scale, one could expect the processContinue reading “Entropy”
To Wander Off
Dearest Rachel – I realize that it’s an everyday occurrence for some people – it’s how they get to their offices, after all, and all the tedium associated with that – but when I walk across town to get to my ‘office,’ I pass by the train station in the middle of town, and I’mContinue reading “To Wander Off”
from Rachel: Children of the Day
Note how Jesus referred to this continuum in John 17:20: I pray not only for these, but also “for those who will believe in me through their message.” To what location did Paul and Silas first go in Thessalonica? “the synagogue” How many Sabbaths did they serve in Thessalonica? “3” Carefully read Acts 17:2-3. WhatContinue reading “from Rachel: Children of the Day”
Caught Cheating
Dearest Rachel – For all that Lars is a doctor, as well as a friend I walk with on a regular basis (although not as regular of late, since this past week held various scheduling conflicts between the two of us, and the week before saw me in Honduras, where I had… other issues withContinue reading “Caught Cheating”
Indulgent Parenting
Dearest Rachel – So yesterday was a short one at the ‘office’; normally, I’d be there from at least ten until three, but I had my semi-annual dental appointment (yes, I’m far more faithful with that than my physical check-up. In fact, I’m not even sure how that works, now that Daniel and I haveContinue reading “Indulgent Parenting”
Chocolate and Soap
Dearest Rachel – This is the sort of thing you and I would share of an idle morning, or maybe talk about while we were walking Chompers around the block or two that he needed to do all the business he had to deal with. Meaningless, nonsense stuff; the sort of thing that was goodContinue reading “Chocolate and Soap”
Free to Walk Around
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday morning, after enduring two gullywashers in quick succession on Sunday (one of which knocked out the power in the house for about an hour or so), the temperature here (to say nothing of the threat of rain, although there was a high dome of clouds covering the sky that lasted throughoutContinue reading “Free to Walk Around”
The Long Trip Back
Dearest Rachel – It seems odd to focus on the flights to and from any given destination when I write to you about traveling; really, it’s the least interesting part of the whole trip. Then again, the process takes the better part of a day either way – be it the trip to and fromContinue reading “The Long Trip Back”
from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part four)
In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you.“Tragically, the child training responsibility is approached with the same mentality as is the pile of dirty dishes on the kitchen counter. Instead of attending to them on aContinue reading “from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part four)”
Soft Americans
Dearest Rachel – This has been quite the week, honey. Given the hardscrabble life that is common among Hondurans, it’s understandable that they would consider us Americans ‘soft’ in comparison, even if they would never say so to our faces save perhaps in jest, like guys do among themselves. On the subject of guys, I’mContinue reading “Soft Americans”
I Hate Such Dreams
Dearest Rachel – I hate dreams like the one last night, full of love and affection and false hope. I suppose I should be grateful for the fact that at this point, they don’t come around very much, but when they do, they hit hard, especially when I become aware of what’s going on, andContinue reading “I Hate Such Dreams”
Refusing the Call to Adventure
Dearest Rachel – Friday in Honduras is what’s referred to as “adventure day” by the folks at Just One for the members of the visiting “vision teams.” It’s meant to be a day of fun, a respite from and, to some extent, a reward (yes, there’s that term again) for the work put into theContinue reading “Refusing the Call to Adventure”
A Burden Lifted, A Blessing Granted
Dearest Rachel – A kilo of corn meal, a kilo of sugar, a kilo of milk powder, a kilo of salt. A bag of beans and bouillon cubes. Two bags (as opposed to boxes like we have at home) of spaghetti, and a box of cornflakes. Candles and ketchup, toothpaste and soap. You pack allContinue reading “A Burden Lifted, A Blessing Granted”
No Longer Dry
Dearest Rachel – Well, the rains finally came; and when they did, they came pouring down. It would be just when I get through telling you about how they skipped past us, making a liar out of me. I can’t say that I’m looking forward to the No Hungry Home walk in this slop tomorrow;Continue reading “No Longer Dry”
The Dry Season
Dearest Rachel – Last summer, when I was in Honduras for the first time, it seemed like every night found us dealing with a rainstorm. For the most part, it didn’t interfere with our work during the day (unless you count our interactions with the students on the soccer pitch to be part of ourContinue reading “The Dry Season”
From A Quarter to One
Dearest Rachel – I’ve been told about numerous misadventures that various groups have had en route to and from Honduras – lost luggage, missed connections, and the like – but I’ve never experienced any of them myself thus far. Well, there’s a first time for everything, I suppose. Not that this was much of aContinue reading “From A Quarter to One”
Full of Food and Doubt
Dearest Rachel – I don’t remember which one it was, but I think it was at one of the many Anime Central conventions we attended together. The dealers’ hall would always have a number of vendors selling T-shirts with funny images and sayings on them (a number of which ended up in one or anotherContinue reading “Full of Food and Doubt”
Indulge Within Reason
Dearest Rachel – While out and about with Mom (getting papers signed, as I told you about yesterday), we passed by an old barbershop in the strip mall where her brokers have set up shop. Which struck the two of us as odd, since the name belonged to a shop that was a little closerContinue reading “Indulge Within Reason”
Papers In Order
Dearest Rachel – For all that much of life is conducted online these days (and to think, we were part of the vanguard; remember when we used to send out family Christmas letters, and thought it worthy of comment that most of our purchases were made that year on Amazon? Good times), some things needContinue reading “Papers In Order”
Not Really Trying
Dearest Rachel – You’ve already heard me complain (if that’s the right word for it; it seems a little harsh) that since I’ve come home from this last trip, I’ve had difficulty in getting back to what I refer to as my license weight. I honestly don’t know when it dates from, as I’ve essentiallyContinue reading “Not Really Trying”
Proctoring
Dearest Rachel – So, last night I was imagining that I was proctoring an exam; presumably for the kids down in Honduras (where I will be next week), but at the same time, it was a test I had been hoping to take, like with the CPA exam. At some point while I was doingContinue reading “Proctoring”
Artificial Affirmation
Dearest Rachel – It all started with the idea of giving Copilot enough information on me to craft recommendations based on my preferences. I ask it for advice while I’m traveling, and while it’s pretty good with recommendations (albeit absolute rubbish in terms of giving physical directions; thank heaven there are map applications I canContinue reading “Artificial Affirmation”
from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part two)
In the blanks below write the two most significant statements in today’s reading assignment. Be prepared to discuss why the statements you chose were significant to you.“We must then become skillful at dying – to self. That daily dying must be done in the right way, and for the right reasons, however, if it isContinue reading “from Rachel: Being a Ministry-Minded Overseer (part two)”
And I Missed It
Dearest Rachel – I’ve started a few more drafts since the last time I mentioned having a few I could work with, but by and large, they aren’t the sort of topics that are particularly time-sensitive. I could easily modify “yesterday” to “the other day” and no one would be the wiser if I didn’tContinue reading “And I Missed It”
With a Headful of Mush
Dearest Rachel – There’s an interesting effect in my trying to write you first thing in the morning, starting with the first hour or two after rolling out of bed. Some mornings, of course, I’m literally waking up with something to tell you about, even if it’s weird or surreal – because you used toContinue reading “With a Headful of Mush”
Blank T-Shirt
Dearest Rachel – So I’m standing in front of my closet this morning, trying to decide what to wear. You know the drill; I’ve made four separate quilts out of your T-shirts alone, and we had piles in the sunroom for your fancier dresses. Having choices wasn’t so much of a problem with us; itContinue reading “Blank T-Shirt”
A Walk Be(for)e Breakfast
Dearest Rachel – One of the reasons that I go into such great detail with you about some of my workouts is the fact that I never used to do this when you were alive. I don’t think it ever crossed either of our minds back in the day. There was a point in timeContinue reading “A Walk Be(for)e Breakfast”
The Haze
Dearest Rachel – I stepped outside yesterday morning to something that looked like fog, for all intents and purposes. Given how many hot, dry days we’d been dealing with this week, it wouldn’t be all that surprising that, as it was cooler yesterday than it had been up until then; cooler air crashing into hotContinue reading “The Haze”
I’m the One Dreaming
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, it’s weird having to come up with titles for these letters. I mean, I guess I could have just gone with using dates when I first started doing this, but that would give you no indication of what to expect, and that doesn’t seem fair to you or anyone reading overContinue reading “I’m the One Dreaming”
Sizzle and Crash
Dearest Rachel – Well, that came out of absolutely nowhere. At about half-past midnight, there was this slight sizzling sound, followed by a thunderous cracking noise and a bright flash of light in our backyard. I don’t know whether we got hit by a singular bolt of lightning (out of a sky with no rain)Continue reading “Sizzle and Crash”
The Legal Niceties
Dearest Rachel – I fell asleep early last night; it wasn’t even dark yet, so I had to put on my eye mask to do so, but everything I’d intended to do for the day was done. Besides, I’d need to get up early in the morning if I was going to hit the gymContinue reading “The Legal Niceties”
We Can’t Even Celebrate This
Dearest Rachel – I’m starting this letter a couple of days early, on the heels of having told you that the letters I’ve been sending you lately lack the edge of those early days (not that I’d necessarily want to go back to dealing with the level of pain I was undergoing at the time).Continue reading “We Can’t Even Celebrate This”
To Do You Justice
Dearest Rachel – Over the last few weeks, I’ve been going over the letters from the early days of this site (and while I’d started this letter with an explanation of how I’m doing that, that might actually merit a separate letter for another time, so I’m going to set that on the back burnerContinue reading “To Do You Justice”
Dropping My Guts
Dearest Rachel – You might look at that title with some measure of puzzlement; “Don’t you mean ‘spilling your guts, honey?” And to be fair, that’s a much more common expression in the English language vernacular, so I can see why you might think of it first. But here’s the deal, honey; after over fiveContinue reading “Dropping My Guts”
The Other Side of the Scale
Dearest Rachel – Monday morning, which is bad enough even without a job to go to, and I totter over to the bathroom; more specifically, the bathroom scale. Ever since Daniel and I got home from this last cruise, I’ve backslid to the point where I’m nearly pushing two-forty again. Granted, since getting home, I’veContinue reading “The Other Side of the Scale”
I Don’t Have to Get Up
Dearest Rachel – Light seeps into the bedroom; cool, grey and cloudy, but light nonetheless. I can hear the chirp of various birds from the backyard, even as the occasional motorcar roars by outside in front of the house. It’s been an exhausting couple of days, but it seems as if we’re needing to getContinue reading “I Don’t Have to Get Up”
What I Intended To Say
Dearest Rachel – Well, we got through the funeral and the graveside service with as much composure as could be expected – although I didn’t hold it together as well as I thought I might once I got to the podium. Daniel had to come up and stand by my side when I asked permissionContinue reading “What I Intended To Say”
Let’s Get This Party Over With
It is better to go to a ·funeral [L house of mourning] than to a ·party [L drinking house].·We all must die [L It is everyone’s end], and everyone living should ·think about this [L take it to heart]. Ecclesiastes 7:2, Expanded Bible Dearest Rachel – Since I identify with the older version of Solomon – the writer of Ecclesiastes – than the younger oneContinue reading “Let’s Get This Party Over With”
Worse Than Being On Hold
Dearest Rachel – So, in an effort to keep you up-to-date with thing happening in my life, no matter how mundane (especially since the stuff that isn’t mundane is rather depressing at the moment. Like funereal depressing, literally), I have to let you know that there are in fact ordinary things in life worse thanContinue reading “Worse Than Being On Hold”
Stones, Spaces and Circumstances
Dearest Rachel – I’m looking forward to a relatively slow day today, honey. Granted, the boys are going to the movies tonight, and have invited me along because I expressed interest in the film when it came out – maybe my concerns about making stuff ‘uncool’ for them by expressing interest in them are unfoundedContinue reading “Stones, Spaces and Circumstances”
More Normal than I’ve a Right To…
Dearest Rachel – So, the last couple of days, have been… well, I wouldn’t say a flurry of activity, necessarily, but busy enough that I haven’t had the chance to determine what, if anything, is really different about life before and after Daniel and I left. Oh, there are the obvious things, of course; whenContinue reading “More Normal than I’ve a Right To…”
Back to ‘Work’
Dearest Rachel – I hope it didn’t sound like I was teasing my sister when I referred to the fact that she was taking care of all the administrative work behind dad‘s funeral arrangements as her means of coping with his passing. To be sure, teasing is one of the main duties of being aContinue reading “Back to ‘Work’”
It All Seems So Small Now
Dearest Rachel – I tell you, honey, we leave for a few weeks, and when we come back, everything is turned completely upside down. Or is that too callous a perspective? To be fair, it was Dad himself who made the rueful joke about not being able to pick us up at the airportContinue reading “It All Seems So Small Now”
Travel Prayers
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know what it is about travel; maybe it’s the upset involving time zones and having to get used to them, or perhaps it’s the fact that I’m sharing a room with Daniel, whose sleep cycle is that much more out of sync with my own than even yours, especially onContinue reading “Travel Prayers”
Not Where They Live
Dearest Rachel – Our last port of call before making our way to Vancouver and home, and the clouds are once again out and about, as per the more customary Alaskan weather. Likewise, Daniel’s mood seemed that much more… I wouldn’t say sullen, but he was understandably down. But who wouldn’t be, upon getting theContinue reading “Not Where They Live”
Heavenly Sunlight
Dearest Rachel – Sometimes, the fact that I record these things off the cuff in real time makes it hard to say anything particularly important or appropriately meaningful. I have some idea of what to say, but it never feels like enough; especially given the current situation. But under the circumstances, I’m operating under theContinue reading “Heavenly Sunlight”
Seven Years in the Making
I wasn’t there that morning when my father passed away. I didn’t get to tell him all the things I had to say. Mike and the Mechanics, “The Living Years” (1988) Dearest Rachel – I think Daniel was asleep, but not for long thereafter. My phone vibrated at about five-thirty this morning. It was Jenn,Continue reading “Seven Years in the Making”
Distracted in Valdez
Dearest Rachel – The last couple of days have been a little bit difficult. Daniel and I have been trying to keep in touch with the folks, calling them every day before we head out. Dad may have granted us his blessing to go traveling while he is in hospice, but that doesn’t absolve meContinue reading “Distracted in Valdez”
Last Full Day at Sea
Dearest Rachel – Technically, yesterday wasn’t really all that; I believe that it’s still going to take an entire day to get down from Alaska to Vancouver, after all. But for all intents and purposes, this is pretty much it for the languid, lazy days at sea. Heck, this final day already saw me runningContinue reading “Last Full Day at Sea”
Catching Up Too Quickly
Dearest Rachel – So this is our last full day at sea before we get hit by a series of port days; I’ll be running fast and furious between the ports and the computer to document our visits, leaving me with precious little time for random musing and various small but necessary tasks. So it’sContinue reading “Catching Up Too Quickly”
Blackout Curtains
Dearest Rachel – It would seem that things are passing much the way I expected them to. I keep waking up every morning, checking my phone to find out what time it is, and as always, it’s between two and three in the morning (Japan time). Of course, this means that, according to ship time,Continue reading “Blackout Curtains”
The Theater Comes to Us
Dearest Rachel – I feel like I should be apologizing for going over so much of the minutia of life aboard the cruise ship. It’s not even the first time I’ve been basically living at sea, after all, so it’s not as if this is anything new. Daniel and I may be in the middleContinue reading “The Theater Comes to Us”
Twenty-Three Hour Days
Dearest Rachel – I’m not going to lie to you (after all, why start now?), this trip has wreaked havoc with my circadian rhythm. For all that I’ve been trying to stay up later in order to thus sleep in that much longer thereafter, I’ve been waking up at around two in the morning regardlessContinue reading “Twenty-Three Hour Days”
Not Yet Able to Relax
Dearest Rachel – You might recall, as I was wrapping up yesterday‘s activities, that I mentioned about how the next week or so would be spent at sea, and therefore, I wouldn’t be running around one port or another, trying to accomplish this thing or that. Daniel and I could just sit back – orContinue reading “Not Yet Able to Relax”
When A Plan Comes Together
Dearest Rachel – It probably goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: there’s a marked difference between a tour and just wandering about a city. With a tour, you have a guide who generally knows the territory – or at least the territory they’re taking you through. You may feel like you’reContinue reading “When A Plan Comes Together”
I’d Hoped to Have More Time…
Dearest Rachel – Honestly, this is a phrase that could cover this entire site; I’ve said time and again that I’d assumed we’d have had decades together, where we would see the world (and show it to Daniel), and enjoy each other’s company for the rest of our lives. Especially given your family history ofContinue reading “I’d Hoped to Have More Time…”
A Chance to Catch Up
Dearest Rachel – So this trip is made up of three separate sections in all; a short week in Japan (which is what we’re truly here for, since it’s about the only way for us to make a stop in Sapporo), a second, full week of sea days up north, and finally, a week involvingContinue reading “A Chance to Catch Up”
A Long Way From Where We’re Going
Dearest Rachel – I set my alarm this morning for five o’clock, and woke up almost exactly at four, instead. That’s what comes of going to bed at only a little after eight, I suppose. It gave me a little extra time to get myself pulled together – including writing you (or rather, commenting onContinue reading “A Long Way From Where We’re Going”
Transition Accomplished
Dearest Rachel – I won’t argue it; the title smacks of that moment on the battleship with the president addressing the troops after the successful (at the time) of toppling Saddam Hussien and taking over Iraq. In fact, the banner was actually referring to a specific mission that the ship and its crew had beenContinue reading “Transition Accomplished”
Moving Back Home
Dearest Rachel – I wasn’t going to head to the rehab center yesterday, despite the fact that it was to be the day Dad moved out, presumably for the final time in his life. It might have been a reasonable idea to be on hand to bid farewell to a team of nurses that hadContinue reading “Moving Back Home”
“You Are Legends”
Dearest Rachel – For all that we’ve set plans in motion to swiftly bring Dad back home to be comfortable in his last days, there’s more that needs to be taken care of than the “comfort care” organization can or will provide. After all, they’re basically fully paid for by Medicare, but there are thingsContinue reading ““You Are Legends””
Odd Thoughts
Dearest Rachel – I’ll be honest; I didn’t know when or whether I’d actually get around to writing you this weekend. It’s why I had something mostly pre-written for Friday – and a good thing, too, as I was too busy once we arrived at the convention to really actually get much written down yesterday.Continue reading “Odd Thoughts”
Casting Off
Dearest Rachel – You would’ve been proud of the boys, honey. Maybe more Logan than Daniel, but we were up and out of the house at what you would have considered a respectable hour. Having been fed before leaving, we saw no need to stop for breakfast provisions like donuts or the like that weContinue reading “Casting Off”
Only So Much Time
Dearest Rachel – Given that I prefer to get a letter out to you early on in the day, in case I run out of time as the day wears on, today is going to be a real challenge. It’s why I’m trying to at least get it started a couple of days beforehand, soContinue reading “Only So Much Time”
The Letter of the Law
Dearest Rachel – I really thought this was long since over and done with by now, honey. Most of your parents’ estate issues seemed to have been sorted out even before the lockdown clamped down on us – although not entirely, which is part of why we were caught unprepared by the fact that youContinue reading “The Letter of the Law”
“I’ll Be Right Back”
Dearest Rachel – I promise you, this letter has nothing to do with that Black Mirror episode I keep referencing (and would still kind of like to live out, just to see for myself as to whether it’s as truly awful as the show makes it out to be). No, this is more along theContinue reading ““I’ll Be Right Back””
A Single Pillow
Dearest Rachel – When Dad’s latest health issue was at its most urgent, he was in the hospital, which is practically in our backyard (especially as compared to his and Mom’s house, where I have my ‘office’). As a result, it was no trouble – and indeed, I felt it more my responsibility than myContinue reading “A Single Pillow”
Babysitting Each Other
Dearest Rachel – Yesterday was a strange one, honey. Logan has headed downstate with his family, as his sister is wrapping up things at college – I forget if it’s her graduation proper, or her last turn on stage (I think she’s a theater major) – so the house is suddenly that much more quietContinue reading “Babysitting Each Other”
Mother’s Day
Dearest Rachel – You might recall that we have a traditional gift we get my mom for Mother’s Day (which, admittedly, often felt like a bit of a cop out, given how easy it was); we would head over to a local florist/garden center, and get her a gift card for the place. And whileContinue reading “Mother’s Day”
It’s My Own Fault
Dearest Rachel – I don’t know if it’s a case of my being preoccupied with one or another thing, or that you would have made it more of a priority than I have, but in either case, this would never have happened on your watch. The other day, while Daniel and I were catching upContinue reading “It’s My Own Fault”
A New Version of ‘Normal’
Dearest Rachel – Well, it would seem that the crisis has passed once again. After yet another scare, it looks like Dad is going to recover. He’s even making plans for what life will be like for him once he returns home, although he’s accepted that it won’t happen for at least three or fourContinue reading “A New Version of ‘Normal’”
If I’d Had the Time…
Dearest Rachel – Of late, I’ve begun to wonder what I would have done if your departure was anything more than the sudden shock that it was. If we’d known that it was coming – and been of the understanding that there was nothing to be done to prevent it (a combination which, to beContinue reading “If I’d Had the Time…”
The Boys Have Made Plans
Dearest Rachel – For all that I’ve been telling you about Dad’s latest wrestling match with mortality, there have been more than a few undercard bouts that have been on the bill that I haven’t touched on. There are a couple of which I’ve thrown in the sponge until a more opportune time, such asContinue reading “The Boys Have Made Plans”
(Un)Moving Day
Dearest Rachel – Each day at the hospital is another case of not knowing how things are going to go, and what, if anything, is going to happen. Depending on how well he’s been able to sleep the night before, Dad’s mood could be one of contentment with whatever fate has in store for him,Continue reading “(Un)Moving Day”
A Bleak Vision of the Future
Dearest Rachel – So, the last couple of days have been spent at Dad’s bedside for the better part of eight hours; slightly less than half my waking day. It’s the least I could do, given the fact that I don’t have to be at ‘work’ these days. For what it’s worth, it seems thatContinue reading “A Bleak Vision of the Future”
The Ultimate Role Model
Dearest Rachel – I freely admit it; while I make a point of showing up at the ‘office’ on a near-daily basis during the ‘work’ week, I almost never put in a full eight hour, nine-to-five ‘work’ day anymore. Since I don’t answer to a boss, and I take no pay for services rendered, thereContinue reading “The Ultimate Role Model”
One Scare After Another
Dearest Rachel – This is going to sound familiar to you at this point, given the tumult that occupied much of the last five years of your life. The past couple of days have been just what I’ve said at the top of this letter – one scare after another – with regard to DadContinue reading “One Scare After Another”
An Empty Bottle of Time
Dearest Rachel – I can’t recall if Jan and I found it in amongst everything we had to sort through during the purge – it’s possible that I only remember seeing it during any number of our many trips down to your childhood home over the December holidays and other times – but you hadContinue reading “An Empty Bottle of Time”
Letting Go When It’s In My Grasp
Dearest Rachel – It’s a good thing that I don’t direct these letters at anyone but you, and it doesn’t matter to me as to how many others might be reading this over your shoulder. I don’t have any consistent message of uplift or progress that would appeal to a mass audience (or, on theContinue reading “Letting Go When It’s In My Grasp”
Aches and Pains
Dearest Rachel – I understand that, as we get older, certain parts of the body start to break down, and they become that much more painful to use. Which is a bit of a problem when exercise is the means by which I’m trying to get into shape. I’ve been noticing – and may haveContinue reading “Aches and Pains”
I’ve No Right To Complain
Dearest Rachel – I’d say this is hardly a typical Easter weekend, but given that I’ve been out of the country twice in the last five years over Easter weekend, I’ve no right to complain about this one. But it still feels kind of strange, regardless. Among other things, I’m accustomed to working the boothContinue reading “I’ve No Right To Complain”
Woefully Inadequate
Dearest Rachel – Considering that I’m to meet her at ten this morning, I’m up way too early. Then again, it’s not entirely my own fault; when Daniel dropped by the bedroom after Logan called it a night last night, we didn’t even get through a single video before he seemed noticeably still, and hisContinue reading “Woefully Inadequate”
Outlasting My Treadmill
Dearest Rachel – As has been the case for a while, I’m writing to you about yesterday’s events – or at least one event in particular. The trouble is, it’s sometimes hard to decide what to focus on as far as a specific topic goes; even on slow days, there are often multiple things goingContinue reading “Outlasting My Treadmill”
And This is Why We’d Rather Not Bother
Dearest Rachel – Since these letters usually go out in the morning, when all I’ve been able to take care of is my morning routine before heading out to the ‘office,’ I often make reference to things that I have coming up, and then put the brakes on going into detail about them, because I’dContinue reading “And This is Why We’d Rather Not Bother”
Glassing Over
Dearest Rachel – There are some moments in life which I can’t describe to you as they’re happening, just by dint of what they are. You’ll notice, for instance, that I describe many of my mornings to you – because that’s often when I have energy and inspiration, not to mention the desire to getContinue reading “Glassing Over”
Shrieking Into Traffic
Dearest Rachel – I can still remember your shriek from the night Aki-san was mortally wounded. I had come downstate to visit you while you were back home at your folks’ house over one break or another. The date escapes me at the moment, I confess; I want to say Christmas or late January, butContinue reading “Shrieking Into Traffic”
Back on the Treadmill
Dearest Rachel – The title of this letter was originally meant to only be taken literally, but after the morning I’ve had thus far (and seeing that it’s already after noon, that’s saying something), it might just be a metaphor for something a little larger than that. If I didn’t know better as to whatContinue reading “Back on the Treadmill”
Our Own Main Character
Dearest Rachel – This isn’t the first time it’s been said here, and I can guarantee that it won’t be the last, but it’s dismaying to note how much of the content of this site, these letters, are in the first person. There is far too much in here of “I,” “me,” and “my,” andContinue reading “Our Own Main Character”
What Might Otherwise Be Junk
Dearest Rachel – Well, I’ve gone and done it; we’ve gotten ourselves a new car. Only has some four thousand miles on it, bought straight from the dealership, for the first time in my life. I might even have to do this again relatively soon, albeit this time for Daniel’s sake; I’d rather he notContinue reading “What Might Otherwise Be Junk”
Once I Get This Taken Care Of…
Dearest Rachel – I’d say something to the effect that life is a series of plans that “gang aft agley,” as Robert Burns’ fieldmouse discovered, to its dismay, except that that’s not really quite accurate. Yes, we make plans, and yes, they will sometimes go awry (as Burns’ phrase translates to), but really, the ‘goingContinue reading “Once I Get This Taken Care Of…”
Letters to Rachel 