To my son Tommy,
Today there is no drawn out blog or some story or lesson. Today we attended a memorial service for Bob Kernan Sr. who recently lost his 14 month battle with leukemia. Captain Bob was a good man and I hope now he is resting in peace. We offer our prayers and condolences and support and love to his family and friends in their time of grief.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Vitamins
To my son Tommy,
While we are on the topic of food with last nights new food experience, I'd like to give you some future health tips. I would tell you as you grow up that I expect you to get the majority of your vitamins from whole natural unprocessed foods including large amounts of vegetables and fruits and such. But if I were to give you that health tip it would be more a "do as I say, not as I do" type thing. To counteract your father's bad habit, I supplement with a multi-vitamin.
Now here is the tip, if you take a multi-vitamin take it on a full stomach with food. Barring any instructions on the bottle to the contrary, that seems to get the best result. Now I am not a doctor and I don't even play one when we pretend, as that is your job and you tend to hog the stethoscope. But somewhere in my mind, from some men's health magazine or some Internet article, it was impressed upon me that you need to have something to catch and aid the absorption of the vitamin. Otherwise the vitamin passes through and is less effective. Perhaps this is one of those medical or nutritional myths, but every day I take my vitamin, I try to add some fuel to the belly as well. Of course every day I take my vitamin I also am depressed that my life is not filled with better foods that preempt any necessity of taking a supplement. Your mom however has been doing a good job of remedying that and making sure our diet is filled with more fish and vegetables and perhaps as you and I both grow up I can give you the advice to get your vitamins from your food and be able to actually say "Do as I do and say!"
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
While we are on the topic of food with last nights new food experience, I'd like to give you some future health tips. I would tell you as you grow up that I expect you to get the majority of your vitamins from whole natural unprocessed foods including large amounts of vegetables and fruits and such. But if I were to give you that health tip it would be more a "do as I say, not as I do" type thing. To counteract your father's bad habit, I supplement with a multi-vitamin.
Now here is the tip, if you take a multi-vitamin take it on a full stomach with food. Barring any instructions on the bottle to the contrary, that seems to get the best result. Now I am not a doctor and I don't even play one when we pretend, as that is your job and you tend to hog the stethoscope. But somewhere in my mind, from some men's health magazine or some Internet article, it was impressed upon me that you need to have something to catch and aid the absorption of the vitamin. Otherwise the vitamin passes through and is less effective. Perhaps this is one of those medical or nutritional myths, but every day I take my vitamin, I try to add some fuel to the belly as well. Of course every day I take my vitamin I also am depressed that my life is not filled with better foods that preempt any necessity of taking a supplement. Your mom however has been doing a good job of remedying that and making sure our diet is filled with more fish and vegetables and perhaps as you and I both grow up I can give you the advice to get your vitamins from your food and be able to actually say "Do as I do and say!"
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Thursday, April 4, 2013
New Food
To my son Tommy,
People will never understand how much you eating a cookie means to us at this moment. Most parents would be excited about vegetables or perhaps something exotic. Not us. A new type of cookie (that is not a graham cracker nor a nilla wafer) that you bite and chew and swallow, that is what thrills us. Perhaps in years to come, when you are well past this food thing, we too will not fathom the excitement eating a cookie brought us. For now I will just enjoy. And the news came at the perfect time.
While your mother and you were baking today, my work day was less than perfect. I felt beat and whipped and frustrated and tired. Yet again you called at the perfect time with happy news that today was to proudly tell me about trying new food. I sometimes think you deviously hold back little advancements for when I most need a pick me up in my life. And for that, I thank you.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
People will never understand how much you eating a cookie means to us at this moment. Most parents would be excited about vegetables or perhaps something exotic. Not us. A new type of cookie (that is not a graham cracker nor a nilla wafer) that you bite and chew and swallow, that is what thrills us. Perhaps in years to come, when you are well past this food thing, we too will not fathom the excitement eating a cookie brought us. For now I will just enjoy. And the news came at the perfect time.
While your mother and you were baking today, my work day was less than perfect. I felt beat and whipped and frustrated and tired. Yet again you called at the perfect time with happy news that today was to proudly tell me about trying new food. I sometimes think you deviously hold back little advancements for when I most need a pick me up in my life. And for that, I thank you.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Time To Reflect
To my son Tommy,
Occasionally the powers that be force some quiet time on people. Today that time was forced upon me (and a bunch of other commuters) with an accident on Interstate 70. It slowed down roughly a mile ago but it kept moving with people squeaking by up until the big fire trucks came in and blocked the entire road. I was within approximately 20 cars of squeaking by.
Now most people are upset and mad and spend this time jockeying for a one up position in a non-moving race. Not me. I am sure I am having a better day than at least one person and I am spending this time blogging in between a few prayers for those involved and glances in my rear view for more emergency vehicles. You had asked to go into work with me today, and of course I said no because it wouldn't be exciting for you. Was I ever wrong. You would be ecstatic with all the fire trucks and ambulances.
Well east bound seems to be moving again so maybe westbound (my lane) will start again soon.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Occasionally the powers that be force some quiet time on people. Today that time was forced upon me (and a bunch of other commuters) with an accident on Interstate 70. It slowed down roughly a mile ago but it kept moving with people squeaking by up until the big fire trucks came in and blocked the entire road. I was within approximately 20 cars of squeaking by.
Now most people are upset and mad and spend this time jockeying for a one up position in a non-moving race. Not me. I am sure I am having a better day than at least one person and I am spending this time blogging in between a few prayers for those involved and glances in my rear view for more emergency vehicles. You had asked to go into work with me today, and of course I said no because it wouldn't be exciting for you. Was I ever wrong. You would be ecstatic with all the fire trucks and ambulances.
Well east bound seems to be moving again so maybe westbound (my lane) will start again soon.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Aware
To my son Tommy,
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. And for that matter April is Autism Awareness month. Autism effects many families from all walks of life through out this big blue marble we call Earth. Giving people knowledge on autism is a cause very dear and close to the hearts of our family members. Your cousin Gabe is on the autistic spectrum. Like your mother recently said to me about another matter, "When it involves family, we take it more personal and we are downright protective". I may have paraphrased a bit there but you get the idea.
I am not going to try to explain the ins and outs of the autism spectrum. I only have a loose grasp on most of the concepts and constantly have to ask questions. Luckily your Aunt Debbie is an expert and volunteers her time and knowledge to make sure her knowledge and experience and that of other experts can get to those of us with questions. You see there is a lot of bogus information about autism and what causes autism and what it means to have autism or what it is like living with autism or living with someone who has autism. That is why it is important to educate people through awareness campaigns and events like the Honestly Autism Day that your Aunt Debbie helps run and most of the family volunteers for.
So what does all this mean for you? It actually is of little consequence because you love your cousin dearly and nothing really changes. You can still be the annoying little cousin who always basically rips the coat of Gabe so you can wear it and be just like him. As you guys grow together, you might have a few questions here and there. Never be afraid to ask as I am sure your Aunt Debbie will be able to field most any question. Everybody in this world is different in their own unique way. You have sensitivities to foods and trying new foods where as Gabie might have sensitivities to too much noise or certain social situations. It doesn't matter the difference or the cause, because through love and knowledge and awareness and understanding and love, our family will grow together stronger each day.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Today is World Autism Awareness Day. And for that matter April is Autism Awareness month. Autism effects many families from all walks of life through out this big blue marble we call Earth. Giving people knowledge on autism is a cause very dear and close to the hearts of our family members. Your cousin Gabe is on the autistic spectrum. Like your mother recently said to me about another matter, "When it involves family, we take it more personal and we are downright protective". I may have paraphrased a bit there but you get the idea.
I am not going to try to explain the ins and outs of the autism spectrum. I only have a loose grasp on most of the concepts and constantly have to ask questions. Luckily your Aunt Debbie is an expert and volunteers her time and knowledge to make sure her knowledge and experience and that of other experts can get to those of us with questions. You see there is a lot of bogus information about autism and what causes autism and what it means to have autism or what it is like living with autism or living with someone who has autism. That is why it is important to educate people through awareness campaigns and events like the Honestly Autism Day that your Aunt Debbie helps run and most of the family volunteers for.
So what does all this mean for you? It actually is of little consequence because you love your cousin dearly and nothing really changes. You can still be the annoying little cousin who always basically rips the coat of Gabe so you can wear it and be just like him. As you guys grow together, you might have a few questions here and there. Never be afraid to ask as I am sure your Aunt Debbie will be able to field most any question. Everybody in this world is different in their own unique way. You have sensitivities to foods and trying new foods where as Gabie might have sensitivities to too much noise or certain social situations. It doesn't matter the difference or the cause, because through love and knowledge and awareness and understanding and love, our family will grow together stronger each day.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
Monday, April 1, 2013
No Love
To my son Tommy,
I know it is just social politics. You are testing the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is not and plus you are tired. But without ever hearing your mom or I say it, how does a four year old instinctively know how to be vindictive with a "I don't love you". I know there is no conviction behind the words and I know you are just pissed off about going to bed but I prefer a good snap kick to the nuts or a swinging toy to the head or something that hurts much less than those words. All I could say is "I love you son" as I walked out of the room. No singing, no prayers, no extra snuggles or hugs. I have no idea how to teach you how much that hurts but I figured it wouldn't help the cause by denying how you made me feel. Your mother tried to explain it to you but you didn't quite understand why daddy walked out. I didn't do it to be vindictive back or to teach you a lesson. I did it because my heart broke a little and it won't mend until you are fast asleep and I can whisper in your ear that your daddy will always love you no matter what and I can kiss you on the forehead.
I had no idea the high degree of pain and how much something like that hurt my parents the times I said it to them, until now. I hope you never have to hear that from anyone you love. I know you will never hear it from me and only when your son says it to you will you finally realize how it feels. I definitely don't wish that day or you.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
I know it is just social politics. You are testing the boundaries of what is acceptable and what is not and plus you are tired. But without ever hearing your mom or I say it, how does a four year old instinctively know how to be vindictive with a "I don't love you". I know there is no conviction behind the words and I know you are just pissed off about going to bed but I prefer a good snap kick to the nuts or a swinging toy to the head or something that hurts much less than those words. All I could say is "I love you son" as I walked out of the room. No singing, no prayers, no extra snuggles or hugs. I have no idea how to teach you how much that hurts but I figured it wouldn't help the cause by denying how you made me feel. Your mother tried to explain it to you but you didn't quite understand why daddy walked out. I didn't do it to be vindictive back or to teach you a lesson. I did it because my heart broke a little and it won't mend until you are fast asleep and I can whisper in your ear that your daddy will always love you no matter what and I can kiss you on the forehead.
I had no idea the high degree of pain and how much something like that hurt my parents the times I said it to them, until now. I hope you never have to hear that from anyone you love. I know you will never hear it from me and only when your son says it to you will you finally realize how it feels. I definitely don't wish that day or you.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
April Fool
To my son Tommy,
I must be getting old. In my younger days, on the first of April, I would be on the lookout for goofs and pranks and other such hijinx both to do to others and to be done to me. My friends must be getting older too because not one person tried any such joke. Of course I had my office door closed and more work than usual as I was covering work or others. I must have also had that look on my face that your Grandpa Leo would use in the military that promises "screw with me and I will rip your head off and..." Well you get the idea. But I do feel obliged to offer a bit of advice (or perhaps a challenge) in case you decide in your later years to get in to the foolish prank practice. Any fool can devise a mean and demeaning prank but it proves only themselves the fool. It takes talent to devise a prank that is fun, funny, yet remains kind. You have the gift of the Irish tongue to aid you in your endeavors, as well as many a Downey to learn from. I think your Great Uncle Sean convinced me one April Fool's Day that if I held my hand like a crane above my head that I would be invisible. Even though I was young (roughly six) I was skeptical, until I used the technique to steal some cookies from the cookie jar right in front of everyone ( who obviously recognized a good Downey prank). I think that joke lasted two years before I learned better. I still smile when I remember that, and I still occasionally hold my hand like a crane lifting me into invisibility when I find myself talking to someone who I would rather escape from. It still doesn't work but entertains me enough to get through.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
I must be getting old. In my younger days, on the first of April, I would be on the lookout for goofs and pranks and other such hijinx both to do to others and to be done to me. My friends must be getting older too because not one person tried any such joke. Of course I had my office door closed and more work than usual as I was covering work or others. I must have also had that look on my face that your Grandpa Leo would use in the military that promises "screw with me and I will rip your head off and..." Well you get the idea. But I do feel obliged to offer a bit of advice (or perhaps a challenge) in case you decide in your later years to get in to the foolish prank practice. Any fool can devise a mean and demeaning prank but it proves only themselves the fool. It takes talent to devise a prank that is fun, funny, yet remains kind. You have the gift of the Irish tongue to aid you in your endeavors, as well as many a Downey to learn from. I think your Great Uncle Sean convinced me one April Fool's Day that if I held my hand like a crane above my head that I would be invisible. Even though I was young (roughly six) I was skeptical, until I used the technique to steal some cookies from the cookie jar right in front of everyone ( who obviously recognized a good Downey prank). I think that joke lasted two years before I learned better. I still smile when I remember that, and I still occasionally hold my hand like a crane lifting me into invisibility when I find myself talking to someone who I would rather escape from. It still doesn't work but entertains me enough to get through.
Sincerely with love from your dad,
Leo
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