Dear Dad,
Lexi is back from camp and every time she comes back, through all the stories she shares I'm able to see that the time away from her and every penny of the monetary cost are just so worth it. I really believe that her going helps her build a strong sense of self within her...not to mention she just gets to be a kid for a couple of weeks. There are so many times that I expet her to me so much of an adult or at least on the mature side of her age that she deserves to let it go for a little bit. She's off to NY tomorrow for three weeks. I will miss her dearly; it seems so long to be away from her. Though I'm really looking forward to our (me and Eric) vacation to go and pick her up. Eric and I are going to see Paula for a couple of days and then go to NY ourselves for a few days before picking her up to bring her back home. I get to see Paula...it's been WAY too long and Linda is going to be in NY when we are, so I'm pretty excited about the whole thing.

I also realized that I didn't write you on Father's Day. I just wasn't really sure what to write so I just didn't...though the day didn't pass without a thought of you. I thought of James too and how next year he'd have something really great to celebrate. I thought I should be going to the cemetery, but really I'm closer to you right where I am. Someone wished me a happy father's day and I wanted to tell them how stupid they were for quickly snapping me into a reality without you, when maybe for the moment prior that wasn't where my head was. However, I thought maybe they had nothing else to say and it was the first thing on their mind, and thus it was spilled. All of this on top of the fact that I thought it weird that someone was wishing me a Happy Father's Day, when clearly I don't have a beard and don't ever have a chance of being a father.

I just didn't want you to think that I forgot. I never do.

-Tiff

Dear Dad,
Things have just been so busy lately, but have slowed down a little in my head over the last couple of days. While looking for something in an old office of a friend of mine I found a copy of that paper handed out at your viewing and funeral. That slowed things down for me a little. I just knew it was your way of saying hi and reminding me that you're there. It was good to feel that.

We took Lexi to camp again this summer; this year for two weeks. Lexi was so excited because she got moved up to the next oldest cabin and was disappointed last year when that wasn't the case. I thought of you on the drive there when we stopped for lunch at a place that only takes cash or personal checks...you know those are the best places to eat. You would really like it there.

James and Daniella are getting near the baby's arrival. They went to get a 3D sonagram last weekend. It shows so much detail of the baby's face...really amazing. Mom is sleeping lots again and I wished she'd get up and out of the house more often. I was happy she came with us to take Lexi. She was debating it for a couple of days, but I'm sure she's happy that she ended up going in the end. Granny Harp seems to be doing well...much better than I was expecting. I hope you and Grandpa are well...I'm sure you are...

-Tiff