Jim April 09 Letter

Dear Jim, 

So good to talk to you yesterday.  I sure wish we lived closer so we could do more together.  I always get a little ache after we talk because we live so far apart and actually see each other so little.  One of the tough parts about being a parent is that its usually difficult to live near your children when they grow up.

You’re fortunate that you live so near your Mom and Suzy.

Good to hear about your new job opportunity down at what was Jack’s.  That will be a convenient situation for you.  Also it’s good to hear that your new boss is a decent guy.  When Jeri and I come up there,  I’ll want to come in and have a “Jim Special.”

We just got back from a visit with Mike and Stacie last week.  We had a good chilled out time.  Mike had some time off since his mowing season is still a touch slow.  Stacie was able to take off a few days too.  Mostly we just ate well and chilled out with the dogs and cats all around us.  One night Jeri made us a big Mexican dinner.  Mike’s work has been slower than usual but he’s already picked up some new accounts and one is a large commercial area.  I think that he’s encouraged.  Of course they’re still carrying that other house which they can’t sell and don’t seem to be able to get good renters.

Jeri and I are into our routines here in the Big Apple.  She’s still working part time at her old company.  They treat her very well and still give her insurance coverage, a lot of time off and a few other benefits.  She thought she would be retired by now but they have continued to give her “an offer she can’t refuse.”

I’m doing my thing here as usual.  I’m still going to Physical Therapy because of my left knee operation. It’s been 6 months since surgery and my knee is about 80 or 90%.  It took Tiger 8 months to come back from his surgery although his was a little worse than mine. I continue to pick my Martin and am reading a lot.  The book I’m reading now is about William Wallace the Scotch legend…the movie “Braveheart” was about him.  Although he probably wasn’t the hero the movie made him out to be, he was one tough cookie.  One thing seems for sure…the English were afraid of him.  A lot of the Scotch were too.

What about Tiger?  Is he cool or what? I continue to be amazed by him.  Also, who are you picking to win the NCAA finals?   I’m picking Connecticut although any of the four teams could take it.

Carol is doing pretty well and Ruthie seems to be recovering well after her last hip surgery.  I’ll go down to see them in May while Jeri is visiting her Mom in California.  Her mom seems to be holding her own with dementia. Jeri and her sister Carrie watch over her well.

I think about you almost daily Jim.  Sure hope that you are feeling well.  Also that you are continuing to address your alcoholism in some way.  One of these days you’re going to have to face it head on.  I hope and pray for that day for you.  When you do it you’re going to enter into a chapter of your life which will bring you a kind of fulfillment and peace which is probably out of your grasp now.  One of these days you’re going to make the leap.

Love you son.

Dad