Camp 2019 Letter Three

To my son Tommy,

It is Wednesday 26 June 2019 as I write this letter. I took a day off from writing you because I figured you might be getting too many letters that take away from your camp time. I know Mommy wrote a letter or two and so did Roro and your Bwama. Even your Great Great Aunt Cindy is going to write you.

Yesterday the camp nurse called. Turns out you are allergic to horses. Who knew? Honestly we didn't even consider it. Here is a picture of you on a little horse (or maybe it was a pony) when you were younger. No issues that I remember from that day with any of the barnyard animals. But this time you broke out in hives.

During the incident, the nurse asked what it felt like the last time you needed EPI. You said it felt like this. You never needed an EPI pen injection (knock on wood) in your life so far. We were close once when you tried beef and ran you to the emergency room, but even then we dosed you with benadryl and made it to the ER before having to give you the EPI pen. Be careful with the dramatic flare. Administering an EPI pen means a definite trip to the hospital and probably "game over" for camp. So don't go for the sympathy drama. Sure it nice to have someone show you that concern, but unintended consequences await down that path. The nurse (who is most excellent) gave you a couple chewable benadryl  and kept you with her and you cleared up in an hour or so.

The silver lining (other than you being okay and learning that you are allergic) is that your mom got report on you. The nurse said, as far as home sickness or such, that you are having no problems. You seem to be adjusting and having the time of your life. Sorry you can't ride anymore while you are there, but I imagine you will still find plenty of fun things to occupy your time. Make the best of it!

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo

Camp 2019 Letter Two

To my son Tommy,

It is Monday 24 June 2019. As I write this letter, it has been just over 30 hours since we sent you off to camp. Mommy is itching to call the camp nurse and make sure you are doing okay. Not sure how much longer she can hold out. Mommy wrote her own letter today and just mailed it. Mine will go out tomorrow and probably get to you a day later. I figure by Thursday at the latest.

Anyways, typical dad thinking, I figure no news is good news and you are adjusting well. They will call if there is a problem. Otherwise, I can wait for the full after report when you come home. But I do miss you. Zoe dog does too. Look how pathetic she looks with no one to cuddle with at night. Okay the lighting sucks on the picture but she really does mope at night. Plus she can't write letters to you to make herself feel better. She has been extra cuddly with Mommy to make up for missing you.

It is funny what you think about when you miss someone. I was driving to work today and a Bob Marley song came on the radio. It made me think of all those drives to school where I introduced you to some of daddy's music. I pictured you waking up from your bunk and going on your cabin porch and seeing a couple birds tweeting away at you. Made me smile. If you get lonely, sing the Three Little Birds song, and think of our time together, and smile and know it will happen again soon. Then go back to enjoying your new friends and adventures.

Of course, you are never really alone. Your Grandpa Leo is your acting Guardian Angel and there with you. He is used to that camping stuff. Of course when he did it he had machine guns, and tanks, and half-tracks, and a full Army support element. But if the song doesn't make you feel better, say the Guardian Angel prayer.

Don't forget to wear your sunscreen and bug spray. Keep your hat on when you can. Drink lots of water.

Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo

Camp 2019 Letter One

To my son Tommy,

It is not often I write something that I actually send to you to read right away. I have tons of letters written to you that I am sure one day you will read, but they are best left for later in your life. I figured this needs to hit the mail tomorrow.

I am writing this letter on Sunday the 23rd of June 2019, though you will probably get this letter Tuesday or Wednesday. Today, we dropped you off at Camp Puh’tok for two weeks. Just last night you were already lamenting (that means feeling bad about) that camp weeks are not full weeks and you won’t get 14 days there. Just think, you hadn’t even completed your first night and you already wanted to stay another day. But I think you will do okay with just 13 days!

After we left you at your cabin, with a whole ton of instruction that you half absorbed, your mom was muttering to herself, “He’ll be alright. He’ll be alright.” Mothers are like that, constantly worrying about their baby boys. As for your old man… well I know you will be alright because you have already grown into such a fine young man with a kind heart and a good head on your shoulders. I envy the fun and adventure you are about to enjoy.

Turns out the Morales family, Mr. Joe and Mrs. Brooks who you have met a couple times, are sending their daughter Iszy there next week. She is heading into the eighth grade next year, so she will most likely be in your cousin Ryan’s group. It is her first time as well. Try to say hi and make her feel welcomed and show her the ropes. You will be a seasoned veteran with a full week under your belt by the time she gets there! I think Mommy wants to send you her picture, so you can keep an eye out for her. She might include it in this letter, or she might write one herself.

I love you. I miss you already. Try to remember everything mom told you, but most importantly…HAVE FUN! I am very proud of you, my son, and will see you soon.

Sincerely with love from your dad,

Leo