Thank You

Dear Daughter,

Sometimes people tell Papa that he says "Thank You" too often. I know that I have asked you to learn this common courtesy as well, which is what it is, a common courtesy.

However, it is also important to know the difference between needing to do something and wanting to do it. When people say, "you don't need to say "Thank You'" I respond with the fact that I want to.

You will, unfortunately see, My Daughter, that there is a great deal of bad things in this world. What we can do, though, is to make those small differences, when we can. One of those, I believe, is to say those two simple words when we feel like it, merely "Thank You."

You bring me great Joy in my life, so, "Thank You."

I Love You,

Papa

Take The Long Way Home

Dear Daughter,

As you are well aware, your Papa is a bit odd.

Today you asked me why we were going yet a different way home from school on the bike. Good question.

Papa told you that it is good to take different ways, even if you are going to and from the same place because you can always see something new, and you are aware of the journey. Today, Papa walked the bike the whole way while you sat on the back and we talked the entire trip home. So, sometimes it is also good to walk, even when you can ride.

Besides, we walked by the movie store and you got to get a movie and some ice cream for us to share when we got back to the English House, so, it was worth taking a different way today.

I Love you,

Papa

Love Is...

Dear Daughter,

There is a saying about Love that people like to quote, saying that Love is “never having to say you’re sorry.”

Well, as you know, your Papa likes to think about things and often has different views from other people, and this is no exception.

I believe, instead, that “Love is being able to say you’re sorry.”

You know how Papa always says that there are two ways to say sorry. One means that “I’m sorry that happened, but I didn’t do anything.” The other is when we have done something that hurts another and we can simply say, “I’m sorry.” Both are important in our lives, and the ability to say you’re sorry when you know that something is wrong is not a weakness, but one of the greatest strengths you can ever possess.

I Love You,

Papa