Dear Dad,
Went to Daniela's and James' baby shower yesterday. It was a wonderful party and just really a lot of fun. Chris and Cindy came; it was nice seeing them. I think James is getting really excited. After leaving the baby shower instead of going home and relaxing, he opened everything and put things together that were in pieces. And he keeps saying that he thinks the baby is going to come early. I think he's hoping the baby will be be here early, because he's excited for him to be here. Mom called Granny Harp to tell her about the gifts that I bought for them with the money she sent and she said that my basket I left you had finally deteriorated and that someone finally removed it. I knew it wouldn't stay together for very long. I think I may get another one that's a little more substantial...though I'm not sure now what I would put into it. I was just nice knowing it was there and if I wanted to leave something with you that I could and it would be inside of something, instead of just leaving it sitting out in the open next to your headstone. It kind of felt like we were sharing something, just the two of us.

-Tiff

Dear Dad,
My birthday...really my birthday week was wonderful. I ate more in Atlanta than I should have eaten in a week! Everything was just so good. I was pretty unhappy with my Bench Monday shot though. It felt sort of rushed...I guess it was. I like having quiet time for those things and tried getting up and shooting it while Eric was getting ready. However my initial thoughts were no good on film. I didn't bother shooting a Bench Monday for the following week, once I got to New York. My mind was too busy for me to concept a good idea clearly. I realized that I missed New York more than I've got words to describe. I just felt so in sync with everything. I don't know if it was because I was on vacation or if it was truly the harmonizing of the city with my being. I'm honestly going with the latter. I walked down 42nd street as the sun was rising and I've don't ever remember feeling so empowered. As I was being sprinkled in a slow crescendo of orange light (this is absolutely my favorite light of the day and even beats the most beautiful of sunsets) I thought to myself, "I can do this...this city. I'm ready again." I realize now that me moving there years ago was a tough thing to allow. You did. And didn't let on to how that might have made you feel. I can't say that I know what that did to you, as I haven't walked through it, but based on my feelings with Lexi I have an idea. The most amazing thing is that I went...and knew nothing of the difference in you. I'm at lunch right now, sitting at my desk and am having such a hard time not being in New York. I really want to be there, but know that right now I can't, and really maybe never. I think mom needs me more right now than I need the city and hope Eric is okay with that...at least for now. I miss you dad. Good things are on the horizon...I just know it and I just wish you were here.

-Tiff

Dear Dad,
Lexi brought back a cough from camp and has officially handed it off to me. It could be worse though...I'm not feeling too awful, but the cough is very annoying. I'm excited about our week vacation to see Paula in Atlanta and Linda in NY. And of course seeing Lexi after the three weeks. Though I'm afraid of our travel back. We booked our tickets on a discount airline and I've heard awful things...of course after we purchased the tickets. I hope all will be okay and there won't be too many delays. I hope Mom will be okay while we're gone...it's a full week. I know the house will be quiet.

-Tiff