He's all heart

Dear Annabel and Silas,

I have a few things to tell you about your papa; things that he may tell you himself one day.

When he was born he weighed three pounds. The year was 1939. They didn't know if he'd survive.

One Christmas when he was a kid he got coal in his stocking. He was upset and confused until he learned there was a toy coal truck waiting for him under the tree.

He loves the music of Aaron Copland and Joan Baez.

He always wanted to work for the telephone company. Until he had worked for AT&T for thirty-some-odd years.

He's never voted Republican in a national election.

He used to go fishing.

He always wanted to own a small sailboat.

He is great at picking out memorable presents. When I graduated from college he presented me with a red Swiss Army knife. I'd wanted one when I was seven. The card read: I think you're old enough now.

It was my favorite gift ever.

Well, before I got you.

Much love,

Mommy

P.S. Try not to wrap papa too tightly around your little fingers. He's kind of a sucker for little beans like you.