Polar Bear

Polar Bear,

Happy 20 Months! We've had such fun with the holidays and now a blizzard weekend!

Christmas with our families was just lovely.  It was actually about 70 degrees at Christmastime so it didn't really have the feel of Christmas the way this weekend does!  We spent Christmas Eve at Papa Bass and Grams house, Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick were there too! Even though you'd had an ear infection and were feeling a bit under the weather it didn't stop you from gleefully playing with wrapping paper, exploring your big cardboard club house, Beatbo robot, and sitting on your shiny red tricycle. We had to laugh because you thought that your Aunt Mert was out to steal all of your merchandise.  You kept taking your things, glaring at her and saying, "Mine!"

Christmas day we went to Papa Tate and Beba's house where we ate ourselves silly and you ran laps around everyone else.  You got lots of fun presents both days and have really enjoyed playing with a new pirate ship tent, wooden cars, and new books!  More importantly, you had so many great snuggles from your family. Santa left some fun stuff under your tree, which you considered quite questionable at the time, "How did this stuff get here?" You got over it when you saw Curious George!  

It was a tough sell to go back to school after about a week off, but in the last two weeks you have gotten back into the routine to the point that there have been no tears when I leave you and no motivation to pack up and come home at the end of the day. You'd rather stay and play with Mr. Potato Head! We are glad you have great teachers who care about you.  You've been learning about winter themed things like penguins and polar bears in your class.

One of the greatest joys in the past two weeks is that you have started saying "Mommy!"  It melts my heart each time I hear it! You've also helped to entertain in the car, as we sing Old MacDonald you chime in on the "ei-ei-ei-ei-ei-ei-ooooo".  You have also spent a lot of time playing with your Gears Table that Papa Tate and Beba gave you last Christmas.  You've finally grown into it.  You are getting better at expressing what you want, especially with affirmative head-bobbing and "Yesh." You also reprimand Sirius when he gets into trouble, "Kittie Gotta Go!"  Like father like son.

We went to Charlottesville last week for a check-up and I am pleased to report that all is well and you shouldn't have to go back! Whoo hoo!  We took advantage of the trek up 81 and met Uncle Jer for lunch while we were there.  You warmed up to him quickly and are loving the Woodstock bird he gifted you.

Today is the first snow day of your life which you've actually been able to play in.  We bundled you up in your snow bibs, gloves and hat, and warm winter coat that were given to you at Christmas.  You liked trying to make snow balls, sledding,and watching the big kids play across the street.

Now we wait for you to wind down, get ready for bed, and rest up for snow day number two.

Love you more than anything,

Mommy

9-Teen

Kemper,

Tonight you are just shy of 19 months and 4 days out from Christmas!  It has been fun to watch you begin to get a taste of Christmas...although frustrating too as you and Sirius have done quite a number to the Christmas Tree. 

 You have liked to see all the bright lights, you didn't cry for your first Santa photo and you are mildly intrigued at the thought of being allowed to actually rip paper off of things.  You already opened some wonderful gifts from Auntie Whitney, Keith & Elsie, and Laura. We are so thankful for their love of you and willingness to spoil you with clothes and books.  I can't wait to see what you think of all the other gifts you will find under various trees in a few days.

You are however also battling pink eye over the last few days.  Makes me wonder if Santa thinks we've been naughty instead of nice!  I'd prefer a lump of coal, but that is okay.  It won't kill us :) 

You have been doing well in school and bringing home lots of sweet holiday craft projects.  My favorite is the snowman made from a painted water bottle stuffed with cotton balls.  I am sure you loved pushing cotton and sparkly trinkets in the bottle so it serves as a shaker too.  We've also had reports of hair pulling and hitting kids with books.  I hope you are just trying to express your love of reading and admiration for pretty girls' hair....

We had a lovely Thanksgiving last month with a day well spent with both sets of Grandparents and Great Ray.   Then on Saturday we got to see the Tate side of the family including some cousins we hadn't seen in a very long time.  You ran us ragged that day my boy! Goodness, you were into everything.  Thankfully, Beba has child proofed a little more of the house for your Christmas enthusiasm. 

We took you to the Salem Christmas Parade and even though it was cold you had so very much fun seeing all of the lights and floats.  I think your favorite things were the marching bands.

We are charmed by your sweet voice saying, "please" or "pease" and "Thank you" or "tank ooo." You have perfected the voice of many animals as well as saying "Papa" "Beba" and "aams" for Grams.   You are quite good these days at instructing us on where you want us to go with you by pulling on our arms, legs, or hands, and also demonstrating what you would and would not like to eat. 

You make your own fun.  Instead of crawling through the tunnel Daddy picked out for you, you like to stand up in it and walk around, even though you can't see anything.  Climbing up on the couch is a skill you are mastering.  And then back down.  And then back up. And then back down.

You like to complete the sentence, "Ready, Set..." "GOOOOOOOO".  And it is so true, you do love to go, and in the blink of an eye you will just keep on going and growing. 

We are quite proud of the little person you are becoming.  Your hugs, kisses, and sweetness are always appreciated. 

Love,
Mommy

Eighteen Kid, and Counting...

Bear,

My sweet boy, tomorrow (Nov 22) you will be eighteen months old.  A year and a half.   Time to stop counting months I suppose.  You look more and more like a little boy rather than the baby we brought home.  We've had to buy bigger clothes and shoes in the last few weeks.  18 month pants are too big, but 12 months are getting a little short in some styles.  Thus, you are wearing some 12 month cargo pants that are a little big in the waist but at least are not high waters.

We've had some interesting things happen.  Your second ride in the ambulance came with your fourth fever related seizure in the middle of the night.  This was not so different from the others you have had but better safe than sorry. We are very thankful for the EMTs from the Cave Spring Rescue Squad.  When you arrived at the hospital you were sitting up on the stretcher waving and giving high fives to the staff.  What a relief!

Following that night of fun we spent about a week staying with Grams and Papa Bass because our home had a gas leak and needed some repairs.  Without the gas working we didn't have heat or hot water.  It was tough on your routine but you had great fun eating lots of yummy meals, adventuring with Grams, and playing in the neighborhood.  We spent Halloween there and you were a delightful Charlie Brown! Your Auntie Whit & Laura came up to see you earlier that day and then we handed out candy to the neighborhood kids that evening.  You enjoyed running to the door each time the bell rang and dropping treats into children's candy buckets.   The whole week was a vivid reminder to me of the many ways we are blessed and to be thankful for all that we have, especially you.

It has taken a few weeks to get back into the swing of things for you, particularly going back to school after you were sick.  You have reached the stage where you are much more clingy to us and cry when we leave you.  It has been hard to see you do that each day because you seem to enjoy school so much.  You had a great first report from our parent-teacher conference! Since then you have begun to "tackle", "headbutt" and "climb over other children."  I believe this is typical boy stuff.  Your Daddy fears this is because of the ways he plays with you.  But, I believe you do these things not in an aggressive way but to show affection, just as you do at home!  At any rate, we have to work on what is appropriate behavior at home and at school.  In the last week or two you have begun to say and sign "more", "please" and "thank you."  Good job, Bear, we are so proud of you!

You also know lots of animal sounds.  You can tell us what cows, dogs, lions, kitties, pigs, horses, and ducks say.  In addition, my personal favorite is "What does a wolf say?" You response is a perfect, "OOOOooo!" Pretty sure you have some permanent bruises on your forehead.  You always seem to knock your noggin in the same place! It must be difficult to carry around that big head and brilliant mind.  You are a fast little booger, but also a clumsy one.  You love to climb on everything and are getting tall enough to reach things we'd rather you not touch.

Last night and today you have stayed with Beba and Papa. I know at this very moment you are running around their house getting into trouble because you can open doors now!  This was a great time for you to spend the night with them because it has been a sad week for us.  My Grandma Becky, your Great-grandma passed away yesterday.  She lived a long and full life.  You only got to meet her once but I am so glad that you did.  I wish that she had been more alert and aware of her surroundings but she was certainly smitten with you and thought you were so handsome, and such a good eater!  As great-grandchildren, you and Taylen won her heart with your healthy eating habits!  I hope I will be able to tell you lots of great stories about her when you are older but the most important thing you should know is that she was a very strong woman.  She was a breast cancer survivor from when I was a young girl.  She was an amazing nurturer, she loved caring for her family, especially via her wonderful cooking.  She always liked having us over to her house for Thanksgiving.  She made the best turkey gravy and dressing you have ever tasted in your life.  She also made amazing chocolate cakes and coconut cakes. She liked to garden, quilt, and sing in her church choir.  She was almost as big a fan of peaches as you are.  We will all miss her.

Thank you son, for your sweet giggles that bring joy to all you meet.  Thank you for being the social person that you are, for running and playing and giving high fives to friends and family and church folk. Thank you for running to us and giving us hugs, and bringing us books to read to you.  Thank you for sharing your snacks with us. For jumping and dancing and keeping us on our toes.

We love you,

Mom

Seventeen Months

Bear,

When I realize how close we are to a year and a half I have to shake my head.  Each evening when we are home together I try to soak in the boy that you are now, knowing that tomorrow you will be different, you are changing so quickly.  It is already difficult to imagine that you were ever small enough to grow inside of my body.  Every day you look more and more like the young boy, teenager, man, that you will become.

Your hair is growing in pretty quickly now. It is a beautiful color of strawberry blonde.  Your legs grow longer each day and the time to buy new shoes is already upon us.  One day last week we had to change your clothes before school because while (apparently) belly-shirts are in, I was embarrassed to let you wear one out of the house. :)

What fun things have happened in the last month?  We celebrated Daddy and Mommy's birthdays. We have played at the playground and the mall.  You were very excited to explore things over at the very quiet Tanglewood mall and ride all of the rides, including the escalator.  

We had a chance to visit with Aunt Mert and Uncle Nick recently, they have given you not one, but two, very fun t-shirts in the past few weeks.  We've spent a bit of time with Papa Bass and Grams following his surgery, and we've hung out with Papa Tate and Beba.  You've really been enjoying the wagon Papa Tate gave you. I remember pulling it around when I was a kid.

I think that you are really enjoying your class at school.  You've become accustomed to the routine and are very good at following simple instructions and cleaning up after yourself when asked.    Somewhere along the way you have learned what a cow and a lion says.  You've been working on motor skills and give yourself a big round of applause if you succeed in any task. You really seem to like sorting things.  You also think that grouping things together and then moving them from one location to another is extremely satisfying. Just this evening you tried to sing "Down By The Bay" with us.  We could make out your words.  You say "adddiee" for Daddy and "ittteee" for Kitty.  You're getting there.  I keep trying out Mama and Mmmbop, but no luck yet.

You've become more of a picky eater.  You still like lots of different things but you do not always want them.  This doesn't make our job of feeding you very easy.  Favorites of the moment seem to be pasta and rainbow cookies.  You still love fruit and will always eat that.  You go through phases with your meats and veggies.  Today broccoli is in, green beans are out.

In the last week you and Daddy had boys club for 4 days while I was out of town.  I am so glad that the two of you had manly bonding. I believe you have aided Daddy a great deal in Super Mario Galaxy 2.  And I know that you ate well, and slept well, and got off to school each day just fine.  Once your Daddy called me and put you on speaker phone. Hearing you babbling brought tears to my eyes.   Even though I had fun while I was away, I missed you both very much.

I hope you know how much we love and adore you.  I hope that as young as you are you can feel my love through the simple ways I care for you: the feeding, changing, bathing, reading, playing, snuggling, etc.  You truly are the greatest thing I have ever experienced.  I want time to stand still, but I can't wait to see the person you become.

Love,
Mommy

Sweet Sixteen

Kemper,

What could I tell you about the last month?  We had a scary moment when you had your third seizure at Auntie Jane's house but we didn't take you to the ER that time but rather watched you from home for a few days.  Since then you've had some stomach bugs and a snotty nose but gosh, these seem to be almost routine these days...  It is odd though that you have in the last two weeks sworn off almost all of the things that you typically loved to eat such as: turkey, ham, chicken, and crackers.  You aren't even into muffins much anymore!  I have been told this is normal toddler stuff but it still seems so weird.  What are we supposed to feed you!? I am wondering when that immunity you are building up starts to kick in?  Daddy has been sick too so hopefully all will be on the mend soon.    

Otherwise, you've actually done some really fun things!  You have gotten acclimated to your new class, you get excited to go and you don't cry anymore when we leave you.  In fact, you seem to want to stay longer when I come to pick you up.  I am glad that you are enjoying this.  You are learning a lot like how to use a spoon and how to pick up and put things away.  I've been told that you tried helping a classmate up when he fell and tried to share your lunch.  Such a sweet boy.

You had your first taste of Bath County when we went to see Auntie Meg and her family.  I think you had fun playing with Emma and Riley.  You were quite taken with Ricky Plecker, I love this.  Maybe he reminded you of your Papa Tate.  Daddy and I went to the beach for a few days and you stayed with Papa Tate and Beba.  I believe you all had a grand time!  We also got to see Auntie Whit for her birthday last weekend.  You have been to the playground a few times, hung out with Grams and Papa Bass, eaten all the chocolate your little belly could handle, and had fun dancing for Aunt Meredith.   You also had a midnight snack (i.e. 2AM) that involved yogurt, a spoon, and the kitchen floor.  Let's just say I hope things like that are few and far between.

The Adventures of K & E 

Happy Birthday Auntie Whit

I thought for your 16 month celebration I would share 16 really sweet things about you at this stage in your life (in no particular order).

1) You run to your Daddy and throw your arms around his neck.
2) Your favorite word is, "ut-oh."
3) Occasionally you give me kisses on my cheek.
4)You have the sweetest smile in the world.
5)You bring us things when we ask for them.
6) You still like to "help" with laundry.
7)You pick out a book to read before bed.
8) You try to share your food with Sirius Black. And you want so badly for Heffy to love you.
9) You clap for yourself when we say "Good Job!"
10) You bring us books or toys and sit on our laps.
11) You still love going to the store, no tantrums yet (knock on wood).
12) Giggles are fabulous.
13) If you think we are upset or accidentally hurt us you try to make us feel better.
14) You help close the fridge. And the cabinets.  And the doors.
15) You are trying to learn how to jump and it is the most darling thing.
16) In the mornings you (usually) greet us with a smile and try to bring your glow worm with you to breakfast.

Manly Bonding. 

We can't believe how big you are getting.  Your legs are getting so long, it seems like you've grown inches in the last few weeks.  We bought new pants and socks, I am sure that shoes will come around again very soon.  I often think, "Stop Growing"  but I really love watching your personality emerge.  I keep praying you will not be sick as often.  I keep hoping we are doing good by you as parents.  We absolutely adore you.  Even on the nights when you are restless.  Even when you are impatient and fussy at breakfast.  Even when you seem to run for hours on end. Even when you cry at the pantry door for the love of chocolate chip cookies.  Even when it seems like an exorcism is needed rather than a teething ring.  You are loved. You are loved. You are loved.

About the same time last year.

Can't believe the difference

Love,
Mom

Fifteen: Happies & Crappies

Billy Kemp,

What a month it has been my boy!  We have done all sorts of things and been many places.  It has been a crazy month filled with highs and lows as you zoomed through your 14th month and here you are at 15 months!  I am going to share with you some happies and crappies we have had because what stands out to me most as I briefly reflect on the last four weeks is that we have experienced such wonderful joys, but also some trying times and deep sorrows.

Happy:  Auntie Jennifer came to visit us for the weekend! I am so ashamed that I did not get a picture of the two of you together!  We had lots of fun playing at home and also going for a lovely walk at Hollins.  We are already looking forward to her next visit.  She got a new job and starts very soon.  Auntie Meg got a new job too, so proud of them, they deserve some gooey banana-hand high fives! ;)

Crappy: You got Hand, Foot, and Mouth virus the following week after Jennifer's visit and had terrible bumps and blisters all over your body! You looked ROUGH.  Not to mention, you also had your first black eye from falling at school.  You did not let this slow you down in the least, but the multiple nights of not sleeping very well were tough on Mommy and Daddy.

This photo taken at the preschool really shows off your shiner! 

Happy: You and Daddy really had a great week together while you couldn't go to school.  I believe there was lots of manly bonding going on that has been sworn to be kept secret from me.  But I think afternoon naps, running around in diapers, leaving cracker crumb trails, and watching Super Why were all part of Boys Club Business.  I have been truly thankful this month that Daddy has been home with us daily.

Crappy: As I shared in a previous post, your Great Glen passed away. He called you Billy Kemp when you were born, and so in his honor, I share that nickname here. Your Papa Bass did a graveside service that I think Great Glen surely loved.  I am so thankful that he could be there for us and that Grams could spend the day with you.  While we spent time with Beba, Papa, and other family and friends, you got to do fun things like dance to Sesame Street and eat cupcakes.  There is a silver lining in everything.

Happy: Last week Beba and I took you to Richmond to get your first pair of shoes.  We had lunch with Aunt Crystal which was fabulous.  Again, I failed to get a picture of you two together.  Shameful!  After lunch we went over to Saxon Shoes and you got to meet Ms. Bettye and Ms. Aline.  It was so good to be back in the place where I spent so many hours working during seminary.  Those co-workers became a second family to me and I enjoyed helping children get new shoes (most of the time)!  In addition to thinking about how special it was to be able to get your first shoes at Saxon's, I considered the possibility that you might just be one of those kids who didn't like getting shoes and you would cry and be uncooperative. But, you really had fun! You are doing great in your big boy shoes!

First pair of shoes at Saxon's!

Crappy:  An ear infection caused you to spike a fever last Friday and you had another seizure en route to the doctor. I think we knew it was coming after your fever didn't come down. We were definitely proactive. I cannot live on the "shoulds", as in I should  have taken you to the pediatrician before 5:00.  But, even then, it may still have happened.  Once again, the blessings of having Daddy here, right beside me in the car while I was driving.  He was able to get in the back seat with you.  Ultimately we drove you to the ER where we spent several hours as they brought your fever down.  This one wasn't as scary as the first one, but still, as your mother, it terrifies me. And I know it does your dad too, although he manages to be the voice of reason for me.   It was a tough 24 hours but you have been fine since on medications for the ear infection (your first).  Again, in seeking the silver lining, I thank God that we are so close to the hospital.  I believe that God weaves these things into the plan for our lives.

RMH visit included a new Carilion sippy cup 

Happy: You began toddler class this week! I was thankful that you were well enough by Monday to go back to school.  Daddy and I took you together.  You are one of the younger kids now, so the older children seemed much bigger than you.  It is amazing to see how responsive they are to the teachers and to each other.  I know that you will learn so much just by watching and mimicking them.  I won't make this it's own crappy, but it hasn't been a bed of roses for you in your new class.  You are well behaved and have been doing naps, meals, and activities well.  But you have also had some interesting moments.  On Monday, when we dropped you off, Daddy saw a little boy push you right when he put you down.  He was steamed about it all day! On Tuesday, you were bitten! By a girl! It did not break the skin but you definitely have a bruise.  Man, these toddlers are tough.  Wednesday and Thursday I also signed accident reports for you for minor scrapes and bumps.  But today, no incidents. Whoo-hoo!   I really hope that we can keep you at this school for the next few years.   It is certainly not cheap, and Lord knows you have been sick, A LOT.  But, I do sense that you are learning how to do so many things.  I like that you have opportunities to experience other children and adults on a daily basis.

You clomp about in your new shoes a little faster every day.  You have been absolutely obsessed with the blueberry mini-muffins Daddy made for you.  You have also been so excited to hide behind the chair and pop out squealing or growling when we ask, "Where's Kemper?" Bath time is splash time.  You think brushing your teeth is fun and you have TWO molars that have broken through recently.  I believe that makes 10 teeth total in there so far.  You are fond of dancing these days to anything really, but the Daniel Tiger theme song really gets you excited.  As does Super Why.  We've been singing and whistling that tune for days now.  Ugh.   You are so proud when you get to carry a muffin or a cracker around the house and eat your snack while you explore.  No need to worry about crumbs, if Sirius or Heffy don't take care of it, you'll pick it up on your next pass through the room.  You make us laugh, oh my goodness you make us laugh. You've had us singing Down By The Bay as we look at and read the book daily.  And each night, before bed, you bring me a book to read.  Then, when you are ready to go to bed, you put your arm out and point to the crib.  You then snuggle up with your glow-worm and close your eyes.  What a doll you are.  I try to cherish these moments because I know they will go by so fast as you continue to grow and change daily.  I really can't believe how big you are, you aren't a baby anymore. But you are still our boy.  We love you more than words can say.

Utter joy playing with Daddy. 

Happy 15 months Billy Kemp!

Love,
Mom

Lessons From Great Glen

Kempy,

Today is a difficult day in our family. My uncle, your great-uncle, Glen passed away after fighting a battle with Cirrhosis of the Liver.  He was your Beba's brother, the only sibling of hers I was blessed to know in my life.  I have very fond memories of Uncle Glen. He gave me the nickname Boo, which your grandparents have called me ever since.  When I was little he used to scoop me up and squeeze me into tight hugs. Glen was very tall so if you have any height to you at all I believe it comes from him and your Great Grandpa Crebo.  As an adolescent he and Aunt Nita looked after me and my Grandma Pearlie while your Beba and Papa went on vacation.  On a side note, he gave Pearlie that nickname; a story for another day.   I recall he had great aptitude at helping me with my math homework.  As a senior in high school, preparing for my freshman year of college, he and Nita again took care of me, helping me pay off a debt when I overdrew my bank account while Beba was in the hospital.  I hadn't wanted to burden your Papa Tate with that.   As a college student he and Nita took your Auntie Jennifer and I to Paris during our study abroad trip.  We got to experience such wonderful things as the Eiffel Tower and  the Palace of Versailles.  They came to visit you quite soon after you were born, so excited to shower you with love.  I am so glad that Uncle Glen got to meet you, hold you, and play with you.  They have always been there for me and are a vital part of the unit that we call our family.  As you become an adult you will discover that you begin to think more about your aging parents.  You will worry about us.  You will start feeling the need to take care of us, even if we don't want to let you.   But, it is a new experience for me to think of the mortality of my aunts and uncles.  They have always been here and I find it extremely hard to picture life without any of them.  But, here we are.   We can learn many life lessons from your Great Glen.  I thought I should write a few of them down for you to keep.  

Try Not To Worry Your Mother.   Your Great Glen fought in Vietnam.  I actually have no idea what he did while he served, he never talked about it much and I respected him enough not to ask.  We did learn recently that he was exposed to a chemical used in  tactical warfare called Agent Orange.  But, he didn't want your Great Grandma Pearlie to worry about him so I think he always downplayed his role.  Even so, I know that the family always, always lived in a state of worry for him at that time and having him walk through the door and ask for a cheese sandwich was a great relief to his mother.  So, please, son, not that you should ever keep things from me, but for my sanity, try not to worry me.  

Work Hard.  Growing up on a farm meant doing chores.  I have always been told that Glen was an excellent post-hole digger.  I believe from a young age he faced down any fears of manual labor.  One would only have to look at the beautiful oasis he and Nita created in their backyard to know that he was not afraid to work.  He was faithful in his job until retirement and then he stayed busy always, until his illness came on.  I believe he was a wonderful example  that hard work can bring satisfaction and fulfillment, something you can be proud of.  

 Keep your Sense of Humor.  Glen was always in good spirits when I saw him.  He was always smiling or telling a funny story.  He was witty and that is something I always admired.  As you grow up you will learn from family history that the Holt's went through a lot  especially Beba and her siblings; things were not always easy.  And your great uncle no doubt saw horrible things while he served in the military.  But, he chose to enjoy the good things in life and not dwell on the more difficult experiences.  I will never forget the twinkle of merriment in his eyes.  I wish that you two could have had more time together to bring out such joy in one another.  

Travel and Explore the World.  I have no doubt that Glen loved to be home.  He and Nita have a beautiful home and have done a lot of work to create a comfortable and inviting environment for their family and friends.  I think he probably loved sitting in his basement watching golf or enjoying summer nights on the deck with Nita more than anything. But, he and Nita also did quite a bit of traveling together, visiting lots of different countries.  I had the blessing of witnessing this in Paris. It was a terrific trip even if it was freezing cold! I am so thankful they were willing to share part of that trip with Jennifer and I.  I will always cherish our day trip to Versailles and the benefit of getting into the palace at the kid's rate at age 21!  They made friends in Europe and enjoyed experiencing other cultures, visiting historical places and trying local cuisine.  I hope that as parents we can help you appreciate these things too.  

Embrace Your Family.  Great Glen and Great Nita did not have children of their own, but they have loved and nurtured many children, including myself.  They had lots of nieces and nephews who I have no doubt knew that they were loved by Glen. They also built relationships with the children of neighbors and friends as well.  Glen was a brother to Nita's siblings too.  And a son to Nita's mother, who I remember with fondness.  He did much to care for her as she aged.   He was a devoted son to his parents and the best big brother you could ask for.  Just ask Beba.  Should you ever become a big brother yourself, We will have to tell you stories of what made Glen such a great big brother.  He also had dear friends and neighbors who were like family to him.  He enjoyed gathering them together for holidays and special occasions.  He embraced the importance of family.  

Do Unto Others.  You might hear us say that your Uncle Glen wasn't a religious person, but that he had made his own peace with God a long time ago.  But, I believe he lived the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  He helped a lot of people throughout his life.  He made a difference in the lives of friends and strangers.  He donated blood on a regular basis.  He helped neighbors and friends accomplish tasks or make it to doctors appointments.  He did countless things for others because his heart was just that big.    It is important to show love and compassion in the world.  It is the only way to drive out the hate that is so prevalent in this world.  

I know that you will not remember him but I hope that our memories of him will let you know that he loved you very much.  I will miss him greatly.

Love,
Boo