Day 162

Dear Damian, 

Hey. So your mom and I are going to Alaska in a few weeks. We fly to Seattle the day before my birthday and then – don't fall over – we get on a cruise ship the following day (also in Seattle). I know I said that I would never get on one, but I decided to make an exception for Alaska. Ellen, our friend from college, will be on the ship with us. Ellen's husband Michael will also be on the boat, but he'll be working most of the time. Michael is head of hospitality on the ship. That means he's in charge of all the guest rooms, restaurants, bars, pools, onboard entertainment, etc. I'm guessing we might get a free dessert during our stay. I don't know if I ever got a chance to impart this kernel of wisdom before you left but always remember that who you know can sometimes be way more valuable than what you know. 

This evening mom and I had dinner at Patricia and Herb's house over in Oakwood. Willi and Anita were also there. We had a nice time. One thing that might interest you is Herb's workshop. I didn't know this until tonight but Herb used to be a machinist so he knows his way around some cool tools. He has a machine lathe in his shop that looks like pretty sophisticated. I found out later that he also has welding equipment. It's too bad you're not here. I bet Herb would have enjoyed showing you how to run the lathe or how to weld. I get the impression that he doesn't use his tools much any more so teaching you might have been fun for him...

Mom and I are going to school Monday afternoon for a small dedication service in your honor. The school purchased a bench and had a plaque made with your name on it. I think they are going to put the bench outside the robotics lab. Not sure who will be there but I'll be sure to send the list of names the next time I write to you. 

Your mom and I went to Lakeview's graduation service last weekend. I didn't realize how formal it was going to be which is stupid because I've seen the pictures from past graduating classes. I don't know why it didn't register that the guys would all be wearing tuxedos and the women formal dresses. They all looked really nice, although Julia did look uncomfortable.  I don't think she like wearing a dress. Garv mentioned you in his valedictorian address. He said something about how the memory of you should inspire his classmates to be kind to people. Mom and I were very touched and thanked him afterward. We also saw Bennett, congratulated him and gave him a big hug. 

Thinking about this now, I'm not sure when your mom or I will go back to Lakeview again after Monday's bench dedication. This may be it for the foreseeable future. Unless we decide to go to a football game in the fall, I don't see us having a reason to go back again. This is kind of sad but also inevitable. 

Your mom and I both miss you tons. Your mom was upset again this morning which is a pretty common occurrence on Saturdays. I think it's because the work week is over so she doesn't have that to keep her mind occupied and then she remembers that being Saturday another week has gone by since you left us. Understandable then that she often gets emotional on Saturdays. It's ok that she misses you, we both do. When she cries, I like to think that some of the tears she sheds are from me as well since I can't seem to generate my own. Please don't think less of me for not mourning you the same way mom does. My heart still hurts at your absence, I just can't express it in the same way. I will love you always and will always miss you. 

If you run into Elvis, please tell him I'm a fan. 

Dad

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