Presents! Excitement! Appetizers! Games! Sledding outside by the river! Tenderloin & mashed potatoes! Smokey house! Cookies & pie! Ainsley, Molly & Jack playing outside with lanterns and sleds. Our first White Christmas in 15 years! And of course, an old man in a red suit – no, not Santa… your Papa, ha! One of the most amazing Christmases of all time. Grammy & I are so thankful we could all be together on this special day, I’m the luckiest guy in the world. Love you.
Your Mom sent me a text the other day… it was about a conversation the two of you had.
You said:
“Papa is no ordinary grandpa. I don’t know how to explain it… he’s amazing.”
I replied:
OMG Nicole, when did he say that?
She said:
Tonight, when we got home. The kids were talking about going to your house tomorrow night and were all excited.
I texted back:
I’m a very lucky man, and the best part is I know it!
Your Mom said:
they love you so much!
I’m not sharing this to brag or anything, but because it was such a special thing to hear… and for you to say! Thanks Ben, I love you so much.
Here’s my favorite photo of the two of us. It was taken by Molly a few weeks ago!
BLOG BLOG BLOG
The other day I discussed the various blogs I’m writing. I explained what they are, what I’m doing and showed you a few posts.
You checked it out, then looked at me and said:
“Don’t put anything on there that will embarass me.”
Ben that is so hurtful… I would never, ever do that! I’m sitting here crying alligator tears as I write this. Sometimes you can be so cruel.
Just to prove I am a good listener and heard what you said loud and clear, I will share these photos:
The first book in the Lemony Snicket “unfortunate events” series was on your kitchen counter, so I asked how you liked it. Having read the first five, I was anxious to hear your reaction. It’s an unusual theme … dark and foreboding, not unlike Harry Potter.
“I like it. I got it from the school library.”
I told you I read the first five books and had them at home. “Would you like to read them?” “Yes,” you replied without hesitation.
Next time you came to my house, you immediately asked about the books. “Papa where are those Lemony Snicket books?” 
“In my office… in my bookcase.” You marched in and took them. “You don’t have the fifth one,” you said, “but I’ll get it from the library.”
One of the most amazing things about you is your love of reading. You have an insatiable appetite! You always have a book in-the-works and often read several per week. In fact, three days after you took volumes 2, 3, 4 of Snicket I inquired and you had already read them!
Your favorite book series is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I haven’t read any so you told me I could bring one home…”take the red one, that’s the first one.” I did.
I gave you the first book in the Harry Potter series and hope you enjoy it. I’d like to read it with you – or talk about it – and someday 
visit Hogwarts at Universal Studios. Here’s a picture of you “reading” Harry Potter when you were but a wee bitty pup. The seeds of reading were planted at a young age, my friend.
Keep on reading your entire life Ben. Reading is knowledge and awareness – yes – but it’s also the kindling of creativity, curiosity and imagination. It will take you to wonderful new places and always be a good friend.