Mom and Dad...

I put a few thoughts down here I wanted to share with you and Dad but never seemed to make the time. I've always been really bad about that.

Although like most kids, I had some difficult times growing up. I still feel like I had the best childhood a kid could ever hope for. You and pops always encouraged me and gave us every opportunity to chase our dreams. I've even told close friends that I'd be happy to start my life all over in elementary school, not because I would do much differently but because my childhood was that good.

I always enjoyed the home cooked meals, homemade lunches and Dad throwing the ball around with me and Dave in the backyard. It was obvious Dad wanted us to do well in sports which we did. Unfortunately, neither of us turned out to be the next Vladimir Guerrero or Kirk Gibson. We enjoyed every minute of it.

I miss the times we would play baseball all day and you would call us in for dinner just as it got dark. Sometimes, we would continue playing then Dad would have to call us in. That's when we knew it was last call.

Thanks for the best Christmas ever, our red Schwinn sting-ray bicycles. And while i'm at it, thanks for every Christmas, Easter, birthday and everything else. I never knew how little money we had until i got older. You and Dad really found a way to stretch it. We both love you for that.

We were very lucky Dad was a mechanic. Otherwise, we would've probably had a much harder time getting our first cars and replacing the engines / clutches we blew racing around the neighborhood like idiots. Love you Dad!

Thanks for being so supportive of me. I always knew i could count on you for encouragement and support. There were several times I wanted to call to talk about things I was struggling with but, I didn't want to give you something else to worry about.

Like Mom needs something more to worry about.

I miss grandma and grandpa. They were the best grandparents ever, stern, straight forward and very loving. I still remember grandma's little chihuahua "pie" yapping it up whenever we came to the door. I also loved that they lived where it snowed even though it seemed like it took 18 hrs to get there when it was actually only a 2 hour drive. It's cool to know grandpa was a good cardplayer. I wish I could've played some games with him.

Lastly, I'm glad you and Dad were finally able to see me settle down. Hopefully, the lord will smile upon us soon and you'll have another grandchild.

Love you both!