Iris . The nurses told me to talk to you when I first saw you. If they knew me at all they’d know how big of an ask that was. A weight had been lifted the moment I heard your voice and I couldn’t stop crying. . I asked, “Can I touch her?” The moment you held my finger you stopped crying. As your eyes danced around the room I fell in love. . You’re our “rainbow”, our flower, our eyes, and our hope. . I love you. . Forever & Always, Dad

Chocolate pecan pie #pie #dough #baking #pecan #rollingpin

Pie season #pie #baking

“Honey” in French . My first job interview after school was at Au Bon Pain. It had a fancy sounding French name so I was excited to put my new skills to the test. . The interview lasted 5mins. The manager told me that I was overqualified for the job. He said, “The only real mixing we do is adding blueberries to the muffin mix. If you want the job it’s yours but I don’t think this is what you’re looking for.” I said I’d think about it, thanked him for his time and left. I never took the job. . I started my first job at a French patisserie. I don’t remember that interview but the Chef who hired me left 2 weeks later. My coworker and I got bumped up to “kitchen managers”(I think that was our title?) and it was a job I absolutely loved. . Then it was sold to a family with ZERO restaurant experience. We were yelled at and questioned over everything we did. . Every morning I’d listen to this song while sitting in the parking lot. My coworker sat in her car smoking a bowl. We both needed a morale boosters before going in. . One day, I got so mad my hands were shaking. I’d been yelled from the door to my table. The owner yelling in my face. I put my keys on the table, told him that we need to have a meeting and I went for a walk to calm down because I wanted to punch him in the face. . We had that meeting. I asked him to apologize for raising his voice to me because I never would have or had done that to him. He refused. . Restaurants will always be a toxic work environment at both good and bad jobs. When that scale tips and sitting in a car debating about going in becomes an everyday occurrence… it’s time to quit.

From Charlie, To Lois . 9.29.80 “Darling, There is no escaping it__ I really am lonely at Marianne’s moving on to marriage. This morning, while passing her closed door, I was swept with a shattering realization that another milestone is past. As I said to you last week when you were crying at your “babies moving on” I said we cry for ourselves as well as others. Yesterday - during the afternoon I looked into her room and realized that it can never be like it was - but that’s how life is supposed to be. She must move on and we must soldier on in the route that Jesus planned for us. For me I plan to try to be with you in love and honor as long as we can be. Because I love you and I do need you more than ever. How much more can I tell you of my love. It’s real and it’s total! Forever.. Charlie” . I thought about this letter as I was building your crib. I know how the years will pass faster and faster as you grow just as it will stand still when you move on. I already find myself pausing outside of your room. Looking in, waiting to meet you, and imagining who you will become. I have so much I want to show you. Until that day comes. You may hear me practicing my lullabies. . Forever & Always, Dad