Fathers Day

Oh hi Benjamin,

It was sure nice seeing your handsome face when your (or maybe our) WiFi signal allowed. I appreciate the fathers day call, I’m proud to be known as your dad. 

So, I’ve probably already given you the updates on the job, but here’s a recap. Last week it seemed everyone at the company was traveling, so even though meetings were mentioned, nothing materialized but a few texts. Of course it was my nature to battle fear and doubt. Friday I finally got an appointment with the President for Tuesday at 2. Later Friday, Mike, the hiring manager texted me saying he’d like to touch base tomorrow, I assume in preparation for my meeting with the President. I will keep you posted. 

Everyone I talk to says it all sounds like a done deal. I’m reticent to think that in fear of disappointment, again my fear issues. While I don’t want to think it done till it is, my faith remains, and I am hopeful.

Last week was mostly filled with grandmas deck. It was a bit of work. I took them I while to ramp up to it, but your brothers ended up working really hard and doing a great job. When I was finishing the last details yesterday morning, I missed them. I took Jake to meet Mark early for work, so Joe wasn’t up yet. 

Later yesterday afternoon we got pretty bored, so Joseph and I went to go check out some RC car racing. It took me back 20+ years as everything was nearly exactly the same. I don’t know if we’ll do it, but it looked like fun.

I think this week will be all about youth conference. I owe the Bishop a few tasks before Saturday. He has also asked me to go up the entire week. I’m open to it, but I told him that it’s all dependent on how Tuesday goes. I think it would be fun to be up there with Jacob all week, then Joseph for youth conference. But Jacob seems to be at that point where I just bug the crap out of him simply by existing, so I don’t know how healthy it would be.

Speaking of Jacob, I’ve now taken him driving on the freeway twice, both times he’s done very well. He’s nervous about it, but I’m grateful for that. I’m afraid too much confidence right now could be dangerous. At least I have some confidence in the pig. 

Speaking of the pig, I ordered the cheapest set of tires I could find for it, $40 each (this is an uncommonly low price and not typical). They get great reviews, so at that price, if I get another 20,000 miles out of it all, I’ll be satisfied. The tires I put on when I got it are worn in the front, and the back two both leak since I lent it to Vince. I buy the cheapest because in spite of all the work I’ve put into it, I’m not sure how long the thing will be viable.

As I told you on the call earlier, aunt Patti is getting around much better. I’m no doctor, so what ever injury/procedure she had done seems like a miracle, even though it may be common. She now faces the challenge of the divorce, which is a much more daunting foe than her injured back ever was. Keep her in your prayers if you would.

Also, regarding prayers. Sister Allen and Steven were sitting on the front row during sacrament meeting. As the talks on fathers progressed, I could see them becoming more and more agitated and upset. I admire Steven, as he was dutifully trying to comfort his mom. I can only imagine the grief she is going through as every holiday is a reminder of her loss. Though I am emotional, I’m not sure how comforting I am, but I went down to check on her after the close of the meeting. I cannot imagine loosing your mom and surviving through that.

We told you about the Pratt family and the dog mauling. I don’t know that family other than by name, but I do know that this isn’t the only really hard trial they are going through. Sometimes the demonstration of people’s faith is awe inspiring.

Well, that’s about all I have. I find it fulfilling to write these letters to you. With the added communications allowed, I sometimes find it difficult to keep the conversation moving. But I do cherish having you on the other end of the line, knowing that you are healthy and active. Keep pressing on Ben, have confidence that you are loved, by your imperfect family as well as your Father in Heaven both.

I look forward to hearing more from tomorrow when your schedule allows. I’ll keep you posted on any updates here.

Love

Pops