09-15-2014 Relaxing Weekend

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

10580841_10201800963585017_5186959180325368489_oThis was a good weekend.  On Saturday night, we finally got to see our new hot tub disco light in action.  It’s solar powered and comes on automatically at dusk.  We purchased it a few months ago but haven’t been out at night when it turns on to see it.  I took a time lapsed photo that came out pretty cool looking.  Next weekend, I’ll remember to take my tripod with me to get a more stable shot.

1548164_10201800963385012_5275055116577311950_oAfter everything heated up, I served dinner pool side as we lit up the fire pit and tiki torches.  Michèle enjoyed a nice glass of wine as I brought out the home made lasagna rolls I used to make for you guys.  I’ve adjusted the recipe and it now includes Italian sausage and caramelized onions. It was delicious.  We looked like prunes by the time we finally came out of the hot tub.

10628602_10201799659752422_2537528226667071197_nMichèle had to attend a conference Sunday afternoon in Fort Worth.  I got a wonderful smile from her when I took her photograph before she left. It was sad that we had to cut our weekend short, but we enjoyed every minute we could together.

On my way home last night, I caught a really nice photograph of the sunset at a rest stop in Oklahoma. (That’s the one at the top)

I hope to share all this with you guys one day. I find it’s important to find time to slow down and relax.  It was a joy to cook a gourmet meal from scratch, but it was even better floating and nibbling on it. And as always, it’s all here waiting for you. Never be afraid to leave a comment.  I’ll get it instantly on my phone.

Love,
Dad

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09-12-2014 Home

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

It was a very nice morning today.  It was in the 50’s.  I was curled up deep under the covers with the cat up next to me.  I didn’t want to get out of bed, but it was so refreshing to smell the air as I left the house.

It occurred to me the different smells of the seasons.  Summer is a deep smell of cut grass and humidity.  Winter is a crisp smell of things staying still.  Spring is pungent with blooming growth.  And fall is a cool smell of things slowing down.  It’s best when the change comes and the aromas are new.

Of course this means the pool needs to close and prepared for winter.  At least the spa is heated and lit, so I’m looking forward to some wonderful evenings of chilled ears and a warm bottom.

If it gets too cold for outside, the living room is a wonderful place to lounge.  There’s enough space to sit 6 people in comfy leather furniture.  The surround sound speakers work wonderfully with the high definition screen.  I love watching the blu-ray version of Star Wars at full volume.

What I’m trying to get across is our home is warm, inviting, and full of things to enjoy.  We have extra rooms for both of you if you want to come stay for a while. I’m waiting for that day.

Love,
Dad

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09-11-2014 Faith

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I’ll start out today by apologizing.  I plan to go a little deep. I had a revelation during lunch while listening to an interview on NPR.

Before I met your mother, I was considered atheist.  Agnostic at best. (Look up the difference)  After attending church with her for a year, I started to find the Catholic faith could fill a hole inside of me.  I previously used alcohol to fill it. And then you two were born.  My emptiness was gone. Or so I thought.  Another growing hole over the years was the lack of my parents in my life.  As time grew on, that hole became larger and larger. It eventually came to such an extent that I couldn’t ignore it.  Despite confessions and meeting with priests, I found no comfort or peace.  So, when I eventually filled that hole in my life by rejoining with my birth family, I was given another hole.

The hole I feel today is deeper than any before. The absence of you guys in my life leaves a much larger hole then I’ve ever felt.  As a result, my faith and practice have changed.  I’ve grown in my understanding of the big picture.  I won’t preach or go into details.  I’ll just say I’m partially at peace with my faith but still searching for understanding.

The point I’m trying to reach is there will always be something missing in our lives.  We can’t have everything all the time.  It’s how we deal with those absences that make us better people. I’m not perfect.  Sometimes, I lean too hard on those in my life for help.  Sometimes, I’ve leaned on a bottle.  And recently, I write letters to you guys.  It doesn’t fill the hole, but it keeps it manageable.  At least one-way communication is better than none at all. After every letter, I’m left with a little hope that this might be the one you find.

I’ll always be here waiting.  I have a home and wonderful family for you to explore.

Love,
Dad

P.S.  Today’s picture is of the cobblestones in Amsterdam after a nice rain.  It’s one of Michèle’s favorites that I took while over there.

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09-10-2014 Pets

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

The last weekend was tough with the passing of Tina, my house-mate. The rest of us have done a lot of introspective soul searching this week as a result.  There was one thing that we missed… her cat.  He hasn’t been seen since Saturday.  Last night, he finally showed up.  I put some food out for him in my room. He feasted like a king.  He stayed the night with me and took up most of the bed.  When I left for work this morning, he was till lounging on my bed.  I have the strange feeling I’ve become the new master of a wonderful cat.

Back in Richardson, there’s already a primary cat called Snoop.  Whenever I’m home, she is always wanting to lay in my lap.  Where Buddy is strong and muscular, Snoop is soft and lazy.  I love the differences.  They both will start purring as soon as they get near me. 

577730_2739602028464_1935884853_n_thumb.jpgThe last animal in my life is Casey Anne.  I’ve told you about her before.  She is the most affectionate dog I’ve ever had.  She will literally hug you given the chance.  She has a wonderful habit of flopping her head on your stomach just for petting.  When I’ve cried, she nuzzled into me to help comfort me.  If I don’t pay attention to her, she’ll shove her nose under my hand for petting.  She’s tall enough to stand on her hind legs and hug you.  She is the most affectionate dog ever. 

I hope you can find it in your hearts to seek me out and come stay with me for a while so you can meet these wonderful creatures.  Once you befriend any of them, they are all loyal and loving.

As always, I’m here waiting. My home is open with room for both of you.

Love,
Dad

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09-09-2014 It’s a good day

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

It’s a good morning after all the mess over last weekend.  I met with my doctor this morning.  She’s been monitoring my progression as I went through a recent bought of depression.  The medications I’m on now seem to be working.  My addictive tendencies are much lower.  And best of all, she adjusted my back so I should be able to sleep well tonight. I’m still feeling the release and enjoying deep breaths.

You both might likely be prone to either depression or addictive behaviors.  Don’t ever think you are a bad person or not as good as others.  It is a chemical imbalance. It took me several tries to find a decent medication that didn’t affect me adversely.  The biggest bridge I crossed was realizing I wasn’t crazy or mentally unstable.  I just wanted to feel at peace.  That desire has helped me maintain a constant path towards sanity.

And lastly, I enjoyed a most wonderful brunch. I stopped by Durango on the way to work after my doctor appointment.  Eggs, beans, potatoes, salsa, and tortillas.  All with a nice helping of garlic and other herbs.  I did a little chair dance as I ate.  Delicioso! 

And never forget, I’m always here waiting.  I can’t wait for the email, comment, or call. Don’t be afraid if your mother gets upset.  Your father and step-mother are here. We believe in you two.

Love,
Dad

P.S.  The attached photo was when Michèle had to fix a clogged kitchen drain. I wasn’t there, so a good friend helped her out and took her picture out back when all was fixed.  She is such an inspiration to me. 

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09-08-2014 A very sad weekend

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

This was a very sad weekend for me. A close friend lost his father to a stroke on Saturday. He was a good man that loved his family dearly.  Then on Sunday, a lady that lives in my house in OKC passed away.  It was very tragic and sad.  I want to plant a rose bush in the front flower garden to remember her by.

I don’t have much else to say today.  Just remember our time here on earth isn’t forever.  Live each day right.  Give to others.  React as positively as possible to help others feel better. I miss you both and as always, I’m waiting for you.

Love,
Dad

P.S. The attached picture is the Big Canyon in the Arbuckle Mountains.  It’s a beautiful view.  I need beauty in my life right now.
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09-05-2014 Dressing Up

Posted on September 5, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I included a photo of Michèle and I at Halloween a few years ago.  We had so much fun.  Michèle forgot about her allergy to latex.  For the following week, she had a black eye.  Me, I just sat in the shadows of the tree outside the house and scared the parents as trick-or-treaters came up.  The next year, I got to wear the prosthetic eye. Picture 11I got special teeth and it was so much fun.  I’m looking forward to Halloween this year.  I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I look I hope to do something as epic as 2010.

Last year’s Halloween wasn’t a good time. I spent the night by your Papa Gene’s bed in his last week of life.  As with all things in life, stuff happens.  I can’t let one bad moment haunt or ruin future events.  So, I plan to take the Friday off and go home early so I can spend the time to do a good make-up job. 

Another wonderful photo is when Michèle and I were invited to a wedding of a former classmate of mine.  It was themed as a 1920’s union.  It was possibly the best wedding I’ve attended.  Right in the middle of ceremony, the band started playing the theme to the Peanuts.  Everyone got up and danced just like Snoopy and Charlie Brown.  It was wonderful.

Andrea's WeddingMichèle and I took a while to find the right clothes.  It’s harder than you might think to outfit yourself in a ’20’s garb. All I know is Michèle knocked it out of the park with the lime dress and hat. I look forward to going out some time in our outfits. 

Short story long, it is fun to dress up, make up, or pretend and play a part.  Joseph, I know you are interested in Drama.  Go for it.  Acting on stage or in life has been a great source of enjoyment in my life. Some of my best memories come from participating behind the scenes at the Dulles Drama Club. 

And just to keep it real, I have Spiderman on my work computer… literally.  Never feel you have to be a grown up.

IMG_20140905_084555And as always, I’m here waiting.  I will wait a lifetime for you guys.

Love,
Dad

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09-04-2014 Heritage

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I thought you might like to know where your name came from. Starting from me…

  • Mark Allen Randel, born 1967
  • Gene Arnold Randel, 1933-2013
  • Elmer Hirum Randel, 1907-1954
  • Elmer Elroy Randel, 1879-1949
  • George W Randel, 1832-1920
  • Garrett Randel, 1806-1881
  • James Randel, 1780-1867

That’s as far back as I can currently find.  James Randel moved the family from New York to Kansas where the family lived up until my father when they moved to Arkansas. So now you know your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfathers name.

Another interesting fact comes from your great grandmother’s lineage.  Her maiden name was White.  If you follow the family line up far enough, you will find William White.  He was one of the signers of the Mayflower Compact.  So our family line actually started with the original pilgrims from the Mayflower.  Pretty cool!

Hope to see you soon. Until then, I’ll be here waiting.

Love,
Dad

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09-03-2014 Humpday

Posted on September 3, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I forgot to show you a wonderful picture from last weekend.  Michèle and I were picking up school supplies for Rachael when we came across the most awesome lawn chair.  I was so tempted to buy it, but I don’t have a need for it.  So, a picture is all I needed. 😀

Things are going well in OKC.  I have my train tickets booked for the weekend again. I’m recording a bunch of cooking shows for Michèle this week. Hopefully, we can create something amazing in the kitchen Saturday night.

I love you Joseph.  I love you Lucia.  And as always, I’ll be here waiting for you.

Love,
Dad

2014-08-31 17.06.12

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09-02-2014 Labor Day Weekend

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Mark

Dear Joseph and Lucia,

I feel a bit guilty that when I’m home in Richardson, I don’t take the time to write to you.  Truthfully, I’m usually so busy with chores and errands that when I finally relax, the computer is the last thing I want to pick up.

It was a long weekend due to Labor Day.  I didn’t get home until Saturday morning. The traffic Friday night was miserable and I was quite tired from the week.  Besides, Saturday morning traffic is a breeze.  Michèle and I went shopping for house supplies and groceries, and spent a while cleaning up around the house. We picked up some wonderful salmon steaks and I did my best effort to reproduce my mom’s rice pilaf recipe (close, but no cigar). 

Rachael had a few friends over for the weekend. It was wonderful to see the goofiness and comradery between the three of them. They all enjoyed the salmon and rice. We even all did a binge watching session on Netflix.

I made a wonderful breakfast of cinnamon rolls, bacon, and fresh strawberries Monday morning for everyone.  That didn’t last very long.  It was funny. As soon as the house filled with the aroma of the rolls and bacon, EVERYONE got out of bed earlier than usual.  You just can’t beat the smell.

Having a full house and table lets me reflect on you guys.  It helps having children around that are your age.  I’m reminded that I’m a father despite your absence in my daily life. When I’m handing a plate to one of the kids here, I think of you two every time. I look forward to the day when you can hang out at the kitchen table and chat with us while Michèle and I do our well-coordinated kitchen dance around one another while cooking. We’ve become well adapted at each other’s strengths and can pull a meal off easily without leaving a mess.  Or even better, you can lounge by the pool while I grill something outside. 

All said and done, our home is exactly that… home.  And I want to share it with you guys.  I understand if it takes time. So until then… I’ll be here waiting.

Love,
Dad

P.S. Michèle stumbled across a family tree in a box of photos my parents left for me.  There is documentation all the way back to your Great-great-great-great-great Grandparents.  You come from Irish, Polish, and English decent from my mother’s side.  You also have a great deal of Irish from my father’s side.  And the name “Randel” is actually of French origin.  Michèle and I are going to start putting all this together soon.  It will be an heirloom for you two.

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