Tradition Continued

To my son Tommy,

I don't want you to get the impression that your father has no connection to this area. Though I travelled around as army brats do, I always came back to the area. Your Grandmom Roro's parents always lived in the area and we would return often to visit and even had two military deployment stations in Maryland. So we have roots in the area. And today we re-found some of those roots and continued a tradition.

We had a daddy-Tommy day. Your mother is busy studying and we had to get out of the house. So our first stop was to the Reisterstown branch of the Baltimore County Public library. They had a presentation of all types of reptiles where you got to see and touch some lizards and snakes and turtles and such. Them at your mother's request, we were tasked with getting haircuts. There was only one place to go, so we stopped by and enlisted your Grandad Leo to help and headed out.

Mr. Carmen has cut many generations of hair in our family. My our Great Grandmother Deezy Klein would bring all her boys and all her grandchildren to his shop. Well actually it started by her bringing everyone to Mr. Pete who is Mr. Carmen's father. Mr. Carmen worked in the barber shop and followed in his father's footsteps and now carries on the tradition. So we go back as far as your Great Grandad Charlie Klein and maybe even as far back as your Great Great Grandad Frank Andes for hair cutting by Mr. Carmen. That is four maybe five generations now that he cut your hair. How is that for tradition?

You watched me and your grandad show you how to sit still and get your hair cut. You followed in our example and sat very well for your cut. Mr. Carmen is excellent with children and it proves that you don't need toys and cartoons and other gimmicks for a basic haircut. You got yourself a dum-dum lollipop for being so good just like your dad did when he was young. You relished the treat and proudly sucked on your prize. Your Grandad Leo and I joked that those are the best tasting suckers in the world, though he doesn't buy them anywhere special.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo