THE PAST...AND THE FUTURE

Mom & Dad...and Little Angel

Dear Mom & Dad...it is July 2012.  Your baby's baby...is having a baby. Yep...my baby daughter...is going to have a baby in a few months. This will be your 23rd great-grandchild. I am so excited for our little angel to get here...and I wish you were here to greet the angel.

Mom...you have never met my wife Cindy. We first met when we were in junior high school but didn't start dating until high school...when you were sick. I'm sorry you weren't well enough to ever meet her. She went from an acquaintance...to a friend...to a girlfriend...to my wife...to best friend. We have been married for almost 38 years and have 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Unfortunately...you haven't met any of them...either.

Dad...Cindy is still the wonderful girl you knew. The girls have grown since you've been gone. And little Joni...who was less than 2 when you died...well...now she's going to have a little baby. I wish you and mom could be here when the little one arrives.

Neither one of you have met my grandbabies...and I wish you could. We have a granddaughter...Anna...the princess...who will soon be 11 years old. We have 2 grandsons...Mason who is almost 11 and Owen who will be 9 in a few weeks. They are great little guys and gals.

But Cindy & I are really excited about the new baby. Not that we don't love our other babies too...it's just that it's been almost 9 years since we've had a little one around the house to snuggle with...and we can't wait. Cindy has been buying all kinds of little clothes and odds and ends for our little one.

Oh...if you can't tell...we don't know if it will be a boy or a girl. Joni & Ryan...Joni's husband...have decided that they don't want to know if it's a boy or a girl...until they get here. So...until we know the answer...it's our little angel.

Dear Little Angel...

Mamaw and papaw are so excited to see you...and hold you...and love on you. It has been a long time since we have had a little baby around the house to snuggle with. Mamaw has bought all kinds of clothes and goodies for you. I think she is gonna spoil you!!

In a few months...we'll be seeing you. Until then...you keep growing and getting healthy and get ready for lots of lovin' from mamaw and papaw. Oh...there will be other loving too...from aunts and uncles and cousins...but your mamaw and papaw just can't wait.

See you soon.

PS...mom and dad...I'll keep you posted when the big day comes.


Dan (papaw)