Dear Mom & Dad: Your Pride And Joy


Dear Mom & Dad,

We're halfway through the first month of the new year.  Your grandson will be going back to school next week and I really wish you were here to see how he is maturing and thriving.  While most people might say they regret that you weren't around to see him graduate from high school and won't see him graduate from college in 2027 (fingers crossed), I regret that you haven't witnessed his growth as a human being.

(Actually mom, I really wish you could have seen him in "Hello Dolly" when he was a senior in high school in the spring of 2023.  I know that was one of your favorite shows, having seen it on Broadway with Carol Channing, and I'd like to think that seeing your grandson in one of the lead roles might have even topped that.)

He's doing really well in college.  Over 3 semesters he's gotten almost all As. (Darn that required accounting course!)  He also might (and this is a big might) be following (slightly) in Great Uncle Harold's footsteps (somewhat).  He has been asked  to model some clothes for a small shop in NYC.  (We are not talking about major chain.)  I believe it's just a one-shot deal.  (You know how tight lipped your grandson can be.)  But it's similar to what Uncle Harold did when he was around the same age.  I will say that they both are/were extremely handsome and both really rocked a Fedora.  Will he get paid for this one-shot gig or just get merchandise from the shop? Who knows!  However, it is an experience and certainly won't look bad on a resume.

More importantly, whenever he is home, he is filling in for A at the Presbyterian Church.  He takes the position very seriously and it's definitely more to him than just money.  (Although having a little cash is nice.)  He does it to honor A.  He, along with the church secretary, was able to talk to A on the phone (which filled my heart with joy as A had pretty much been out of touch).  A told him to keep the ship steady.  I know he will.  (Is it "bad" that I hope that the church doesn't find someone to permanently fill the position, at least until after the summer?  He is really devoted to the church and the work and while I know a regular sexton is necessary...)

Even better is that when I mentioned this to the pastor at the Episcopalian church in town (Dad's old haunt), he said that they might need someone over the summer.  They don't have a sexton at all and the rector will be on sabbatical this summer.  While he is away, someone is needed to do the sexton-like jobs that the rector does and it looks like that someone will be your grandson!  They've met once and will meet again over spring break so that your grandson can get a feel for what they are in need of.  (Although the general "gist" is the same, both churches have slightly different needs.)  

While working at two churches part time over the summer won't make anyone rich, I know it will enrich the life of your grandson as well as those who worship and/or use the facilities at both churches.  He is learning that a "job" does not just pay off in cash.  (Although it's nice.)  He's impacting the lives of others.  He is SERVING and he has found joy in doing so.  (Can you believe it?  It's TRUE!)  He doesn't see the churches simply as buildings that need to be maintained, but as important places in our community.  He sees to it that they continue to be safe and welcoming places to all who come.  And that makes me prouder than any report card.

I wish you were physically here to see all these wonderful things and could tell your grandson how happy and proud you are.  Because I know you are and some am I.

Love you and miss you.

Me


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