6

Today is the day we became Blue-eyed Grandpa, Sweet Grandma a/k/a/ Hepa and Hema, Momma, Aunt, Uncle. Terrific joy, love, celebration and blessings. xos ;-)

This Makes 71

James is playing music for you right now. I'm writing this to you. Michelle and Natalie toasted you earlier tonight on video with Mom. There is a space between where we loved you while you were still here and where we have to love you now. That space is filled with the way we love you by loving each other. It's also filled with the way we love you by loving the things we do. So as James is playing music that would make you dance, and I'm trying to write words that would make you nod, and Michelle is doing everything with Natalie that would make you proud, and Mom is being an amazing mom and grandma in all the ways that would make you grin, we're loving you.

Happy birthday, Dad.

11/18/39

Look what RJP and RMP started on that day! Little did they know then! HBD, REP! We'll never forget this day/you. xos JCRP

Where You're From

Dad, I wish you could be here to talk with me about Maine. I went up to St. Francis, Fort Kent and Allagash with Uncle Peter at the end of September. We didn't get to see everyone--it was only a weekend--but I've been wanting to go for a long time. It's just been hard to make the trip since my last plans to go were for your reunion, the one that came the summer after you left.

The leaves were in full color. You'd have loved the trip. I learned more about you, more that makes me proud, more that makes me want to learn more. Though nothing can make up for missing out on you, this trip reminded me how easy it is to be in touch--or out of touch. My aunts and uncles and cousins brought you to life in their voices or hints of the accent you mostly left behind, or in the food that makes me smile at you. I keep telling your story, Dad. I keep listening for it too.

Father's Day 2010

Hello everyone. We are all having many thoughts and memories as this day approaches, as always. Take care. I love you. xos :-)

June 6, 1979

On this date in 1979 we hadn't met our son/brother/nephew/uncle/grandson as yet and were wondering when 'baby P.' would arrive and whether on due date or over due. How lucky we were again. How lucky we are still. xos

June 6,2010

This date reminds me of Uncle Billy, Uncle Charles and Uncle Ward, who all served in WWII. Those of my generation knew this date's revelance and significance as well as their own birhdates. We cannot and will not ever forget you. xos