Labor Day

To my son Tommy,

Labor Day is kind of a misnomer.  You aren't supposed to labor at all and you are supposed to just take a day for yourself.  It stems from the unions and the labor strikes that happened over a century ago.  There are many who lost their lives challenging the big corporations and who risked every thing so we can have the cushy work life we have become accustomed to, such as the 40 hour work week and health benefits and the crazy notion of an honest wage and all those silly little things.

Today we slept in and had lunch at your Aunt Debbie's and received a bunch of hand-me-down toys.  So we kept true to the do nothing attitude that is the oxymoron of Labor Day, which is actually rare for this holiday that usually gets filled with the honey-do chores.  You love your new toys and in our family "hand me down" is a blessed title not something that is looked down on in any way.  You have so many hand-me-downs that you could be on the verge of being completely spoiled.  Hopefully we use these toys gently and have them make the next trip along our family songlines for toys and toddlers.

So as you celebrate this and any Labor Day, remember to avoid work, be thankful for the job and benefits you have, be grateful for those who came before and made all that possible, and as always celebrate family and love.  Oh and pack up your whites for the winter.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo