The Last Waltz

 Oh hello my boy!

Well, we’re now at T-minus 9 hours for Ben’s launch into his future. I have mixed feelings about it, because I’m really going to miss him. But I also have high expectations for him. What he’s doing is of generational impact. I can’t imagine my immigrant grandparents even daring to dream about their descendants getting an opportunity like this. I long to tell my dad about this, even though I know he knows, I’d love to hear his reaction. I don’t want this to lead to you or Jacob thinking you’re accomplishments will be any lesser. I felt that way with my brother being a Doctor and my choosing to be an Art Major. I know that my dad was proud of me and what I was able to accomplish. 

This week started off on a low. I did not get that job I was waiting on. I embarrassingly admit that I was pretty upset about it after I heard. But then I got pretty busy with my freelance work and business explorations and I got over it. I’m still applying, but there’s nothing in the pipeline right now.

Tuesday through Friday I was busy with freelance. Wednesday night mom made reservations for the half price cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory. She wants to make that a tradition. I got their Fish and chips, I know, not your favorite but I enjoy them there. We each got a slice of cheesecake of our own choosing then we shared them. Thursday night you’re brothers went for burgers with grandma at Mooya’s, remember that from Texas? Then we had the rest of the cheesecake when they came back.

Friday was Max’s wedding, I had a meeting scheduled for about the time mom wanted to leave for the temple so I couldn’t promise that I would go. But the meeting went short so I changed. Your noble hearted brother Jacob offered to go with mom in my absence, so the three of us went. (Ben’s recommend was expired, so he rectified that today.) it was the standard ceremony, I’m sure your brothers will fill you in more. After we came home to change we went to the luncheon. Uncle Steven had a big spread from Olive Garden with plenty to eat. It was really nice being with family. We came home and I got several hours of freelance work in before the reception. It was at the Brides uncle’s house on Lovers Lane in Riverton, so really close. They had a really cool backyard with tons of space. Unsurprisingly, your mother’s mini cupcakes were the star of the party and stole the attention from everything else. Because there wasn’t really dinner served, we went back to Mooya’s for burgers with grandma and Julynn. It was really fun to be with them. 

Saturday mom and I went to a baptism in our ward for the little boy from the Peruvian family in our ward. The little boy was in mom’s class his kindergarten year. They are a really kind family. It was fun to attend a service all in Spanish. It reminded me of going to church as a little boy at the “Mexican” ward my family attended until I turned 12. If I concentrated, I could understand the talks and prayers. They very kindly invited me into the circle for the confirmation. We’re planning a dinner with them after everything settles down around here.

After the baptism we took your brothers to breakfast, while I do worry about money, I just felt that I didn’t want it to be another ordinary Saturday. It did turn out ordinary after we got home. I trimmed the hedge, mowed the lawn, and did a little weeding. After that I did as much as I could to finish the bathroom. I had made the shelves during the week, and as much as I used all the powers of my woodworking skills, the still look like chunks of 2x6s stuck to the wall. I also got all the trim up and the paint scrubbed off of the floor. I still need to touch up some of the grout and I want the outlet to sit more flush. Be forewarned warned, mom is going to be a lot more picky about this version of the bathroom. For dinner, mom made us some of her delicious steak chunks with roasted potatoes, on the request of Benjamin. Afterwords we watched a movie. No you may want to brace yourself for this news, and don’t think any less of her because we put a lot of pressure on her, but in the space of a week your mother watched There Will Be Blood, The Silence of the Lambs, and Goodfellas. Were are a bad, bad influence on your saintly maternal unit. She may not admit it, but I think she found them interesting.

This morning we got up and got ready for the festivities of the day. Mom and Ben prepped dinner, Al pastor tacos with roasted potatoes, guacamole, salad, and a variety of desserts. I cleaned the basement, kitchen, and vacuumed. Church was average. The subject of the closing prayer was Asher Miller. Apparently he’s in boot camp in the US Marines and is having challenges. I wish the kid the best, I’m not sure I could have survived Marines boot camp. Mom was asked to do music for primary, she asked Ben to accompany her on his acoustic guitar. Of course, even in primary, Ben is a rockstar. The kids seemed to love it as did the adults. 

For dinner we had my side of the family over for dinner. It was really nice to be together and very comforting. After dinner your brothers played a gig for everyone. I forced myself into the music room for a front row experience. Your brothers are really good. Ben has his playing, vocals, and performing down. Jacob is up on the drums. His vocals are good but the equipment makes it tough to hear him. Dang Joe, I have the coolest sons in the entire world. Before everyone left I invited all the priesthood holders to help me give a blessing to Ben. I always want you boys to exercise your priesthood and include your Heavenly Father in your lives (I know, I know, dad lecture-I do not apologize).

We’ll get up early to see your brothers off. I invite you to call them when you can. Mom and i arranged a ride from a neighbor, Ryders Dad, who offered to drive us to the airport. We’ll leave about 9:30 tomorrow night.

This is a big change in our family Joe, things will never quite be the same. But I can’t think of a better way. I guess I have two more times for my boys to launch, and I’m sure I’ll be equally proud of you and Jacob when you do.

Love you kid,

Pops