Thursday, December 30, 2021
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John, I was looking through all of my photos of you when I realized just what a big part you played in all of the fun that we had. While there are a few photos of you looking grandfatherly, smiling on the sidelines while watching the kids have fun, most of the pictures feature you right in the middle of the action. I have picture after picture of you with your grandchildren in your arms, on your lap, on your shoulders, beside you in trains, in front of you riding various tractors, on the floor playing with toys, and in lines to see Santa. I have pictures of you dressed for the part in paper crowns, a turkey hat, elf hats, snow hats, a witch's hat and, of course, baseball caps. I have pictures of you dressed up as the villain in a play and as a teacher at Hogwarts. I have pictures of you at birthday parties, amusements parks, zoos, and playgrounds; those of you playing with the kids in the snow, fishing in the Delaware, setting up science experiments, and letting them press the button on your cool new log-splitting machine. I have pictures of you, John, not just because you were there, but because you made those pictures worth taking. It feels inadequate to say thank you for all you brought to our lives, but I need to say it again. Thank you, John, for putting your hand up for fun, for being quick to laugh, and for bringing joy to our moments together.
