10.13.20

Hi my love -

Hope you’re having a good day. I was pretty consistent there for a minute. You haven’t missed too much. It’s your first Halloween so we’ve got you looking cute in some spooky outfits. But the real reason I’m writing you today is to tell you a little bit about your grandpa - my dad. I don’t know why but today on a call I mentioned one of his favorite sayings, “if you can’t beat em with brains, baffle em with bullshit”. I looked it up and apparently he’s been paraphrasing someone named WC Fields all these years, but I’m giving him the credit.

I should probably start at the beginning of what I know about Grandpa. He had a pretty rough childhood growing up in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was born in 1959. Sadly, I don’t know his mom or dad’s names. I think they were Margaret and John but I could be way off. All I know is that his dad died or split when he was very young and that his mother was an alcoholic who died when he was 11. I think that’s how old he was, could be off by a year or two. As a result, he was raised by his family, Aunt Joan, Aunt Mary, Uncle Tommy, Uncle Gerard, and his grandma. They took care of him and made sure he went to school and grew up with values. But I know he’s always been hurt by his lack of parenting. He’s mentioned to me that he always felt angry with his mom for not wanting him. For choosing the drink over him and his sister, Aunt Barbara. It’s something that shaped who he is.

Grandpa has always been a great dad. He’s been supportive, loving and caring. When I was younger I was really scared of him. He could get real angry and he was such a big guy with a deep voice, I was always scared to make him upset. He used to have a really short temper. As the years have gone on he’s mellowed out a lot, and I’ve realized that he’s just a big softy.

Grandpa has a funny way about him. He’s quick to make a really bad joke but in my opinion he takes life too seriously. He’s always worried about something - the weather, the traffic, the news - it all adds up for him and makes him really stressed out. I just wish he could take a chill pill.

But I gotta say, growing up he was always my biggest supporter and always put me and Grandma first. if I were to sum him up, I would say he’s a sweetheart of a guy.

I have more I want to tell you about him but right now you are making the most annoying noise in the world and I can’t concentrate so I’ll be back.

Love you big time,

Dad