Nancy
Dear Nancy,
In the past, I would call on October 13 and wish you a Happy Birthday. I wish it weren’t so, but I will not be making that call tomorrow on the day of your 63rd birthday.
So, rather than call, I will remember your birthday by writing this letter. The letter is to you, but I guess I am writing it for myself as a way of not letting this October 13 go by as just another day.
When I woke up early this morning, random thoughts passed through my head, as they often do, and I remembered that, when you were born, I was nearly 9. Only 13 years after that, my own child would come into the world. That child, Marty, is now 50! I wasn’t quite 22. Back then, if I had been inclined to think about it, 13 years would have seemed like a very long time, but from the perspective of someone who is almost 72, 13 years is almost nothing. That was a very quick leap from being 9 to being a dad. I’m not sure I was any more qualified to be a dad at 21 than I was at 9. Maybe should have given myself more time to get ready, but I don’t think that would not have made a difference. Sometimes, these random thoughts are like a movie I would never pay to see.
Moving on —– During your last days, I know you were very worried about how the girls and Doug would do after you left. You probably had good reason then, but I am happy to report that, now, you would not have needed to worry so much.
Kristin called just after we went to bed last night to tell us that she had just landed a great job. She was so excited. It doesn’t have anything to do with food either. She will be working for a company in Killdeer that makes electrical and electronic parts for aircraft. How’s that for a radical career change? The most amazing thing is that she can work from home. Almost to good to be true, but she called again this morning still excited and talked more about it. We are so happy for her. The last five years or so since you were diagnosed with ovarian cancer have been especially hard for her, and it is good to see her get this well deserved break.
Those years have been tough for Karli too; probably in different ways. She may be too hard on herself for not participating in what is going on in Bismarck since you left, but I think she is working though that. I hope so. I need to do a better job of staying in touch with her.
You will be happy to know that Karli and Mick finally had that visit with Aunt Margaret. Peggy got them together, and they had a good time. I think both Margaret and Karli needed that visit. I hope they have more. Margaret misses your letters. It will be a dark day in my life when Margaret leaves; about as dark as it was the day you left.
Doug seems to be adapting too. He starts the move into Good Samaritan on the 18th. He’s had a very tough time, though, and still is, but the fact that he is getting out of your house and into a safe, caring environment where Kristin will not be his caregiver is something to celebrate.
Anyway, the girls have our phone numbers, and they know they have our full support and will always be there for them. I don’t think you have to worry about them – much.
My dad and sister.
What do you think of these old photos? I found them yesterday when I was looking through some image files on my computer. They are from slides that I scanned years ago.
In the 70s and 80s, I sent Dad copies of slides that I took as a way of sharing my and my family’s life with Mom and Dad. Over the years, Doug stored those in slide trays, along with slides that both he and Dad had taken. Mom ended up with those trays after Dad died, and I shipped them to myself when Mom moved out of the Primrose and went into the nursing home. I scanned many of those slides, but most I did not. Kristin is in possession of those trays now, and she will have the rest of them scanned. Most of those photos will be of Kristin and Karli and life on Cherry Lane in Bismarck. The girls should find them very valuable.
I like that photo of Dad and you. I remember that tie. Who could forget it? Dad was a dapper guy ahead of his time. He got a big kick out of dressing up, I think. Pictures of him before he married Mom bear that out.
As far as Nancy and me are concerned, we are doing well. Summer is turning into Fall, and the best time of year in this part of Arizona is at hand. Wish you could join us to enjoy it.
We finally got over to California to visit your nephew, Eric, and his wonderful family. Their Karli is already a teenager. She’s a tall beauty and a great soccer player. Ryan is playing Pop Warner Football and loves it. When asked how Ryan is doing in school, Julie says, “OK this week.” He must take after that person who was near his age when you were born.
As I said, your other nephew, Marty, recently reached his half-century mark. Jan threw a surprise birthday party for him that I talked myself out of attending. Shouldn’t have let that happen, but that is another story.
But, Marty and family are doing well from all reports. Lindsey is living at home and works for Amazon.com. Jan is still involved with her horses and looks every bit as good as she did the day she married Marty. Maybe better.
If we are lucky, we will see both your Njaa nephews and the rest of their clans at Thanksgiving.
Nancy’s Marty and Laura are doing well. Marty is making money hand over fist flying the left seat of Southwest’s 737s. He and his girlfriend live in Henderson, NV. They enjoy their life to the fullest.
Laura is still in New Jersey, and her beautiful daughters get more so every day. They take after their mom.
I guess that is about it for now. I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow as I do every day.
I love you,
John