Dear Joseph and Lucia,

Good Morning.  The anticipation of the trip to Europe is increasing more and more each day.  I got an email reminder this morning for an appointment with my knee doctor next week.  He’s going to give me a shot that should keep my pain down during the trip.  When I get back from Europe, the surgery on my knee is going to be scheduled.  In the mean time I limp a bit when the weather changes and I have to be careful how I step.

I had another memory of Ball Ground.  I made a go-cart out of scrap parts.  You two would take turns rolling down the hill in the back yard.  Frequently that would involve an ending in the flower bed.  I built the swing set you would play on for hours.

I don’t have any pictures, but there lots of memories.  When you were both young and we lived in Dobbin, your mom and I would take you for stroller walks almost every day.  We had a double stroller you rode in.  It was always a struggle to push you up the gravel road to the paved road.  You were both so well behaved as we took these 4 mile walks.

You two were also really well behaved on the long road trip to California.  It was a long drive, but it was worth it.  Joseph, you got a brand new blue truck.  Lucia, you got a doll that never left your grip the whole trip.

I’ve been getting copies of your grade cards and am extremely proud to see you are both getting all A’s.  I was a bit disappointed to see you didn’t continue with band, Joseph.  I’m sure you had a good reason, though.  I get snippets of updates about your lives.  Both of you and your mom took part in a local presentation of The Christmas Carol. I would love to hear all about that.  I learned Lucia is fierce at kick-ball.  I can just imagine your long blond hair flying behind you as you round the bases.

I’ve rambled on long enough and really should get to work.  As always, I miss both of you and look forward to getting to know you again one day.

Love,
Dad

P.S.  I forgot to mention I’ve seen several views from Belgium on this blog.  That means your Grandmother Geller and Aunts Vicki and Elizabeth are reading the stories about you.  I’m glad they are getting a chance to know you even though they are on the other side of the world.