Hi, Dad! It's been two years to the day, almost to the hour, since you left us here on Earth. A lot has changed since then.

For starters, you are the namesake of a beautiful grandson, who was born 5 months to the day after you left. I decided the moment I knew I was pregnant that this child, whether boy or girl, was going to have your name, because I knew you weren't going to last much longer, and I wanted to honor you in the best way I knew how. I wanted to tell you while you were still alive, but Mom and Nancy felt you'd only be more depressed, knowing that you would not live to see little Danny born. Please forgive us. They meant well.

Wendy, Chris, and the kids are living with Mom now, and they've remodeled the house. I think you'd like it. Chris got a promotion at work--- he's a manager now. Krista is attending LCC--- pretty impressive, considering she's only 5 now! ;) Kody comes to hang out with us every other month or so, to play computer games with Scott, and when he's not on his computer, he's on the phone to his girlfriend!

Scott got his disability a year ago January--- just in time for me to stop working to take care of him and the kids. We have an excellent neurologist for him now, and while he may not get to the point of being able to work again, we think he'll be able to be stable and avoid a wheelchair for as long as possible. It helps that Tony and Chip are next door to help when we need it.

Holly is 13, and adjusting to life at a new school. She's doing much better here than at her old school, and seems to be fairly popular. She's fairly secretive now, but is learning that we need to know more of what's going on in her life in order to keep her safe and happy. And of course, she's often disgusted with both her little brothers, the exception being when one is hurt (like when Hunter broke his arm last September, just before his first day of kindergarten!).

Hunter, age 6, is almost through with kindergarten, and loves his teacher, Mrs. Hart. Since he started classes in September, we've learned that structure is very important for his success! God forbid we should skip lunch and go straight to an early dinner--- his world would be devastated!

Danny is nineteen months old today, with sparkling brown eyes that are full of mischief... much like his Grandpa Danny! He reminds us of you daily, and is a delight to behold... except when he has a fit of temper! He was born with Aortic Valve Deformity and Stenosis, and three months after his birth, he had a balloon valvuloplasty to open up the deformed valve and increase his blood flow. Even the cardiologist is amazed at Danny's improvement, and says that he'd have never guessed that Danny would have come through it with such a drastic change in status!

Looking at Danny now, you'd never know he was born with a moderate to severe heart defect. He runs, jumps, and CLIMBS! like you'd never believe!

Well, Dad, I need to get to bed. I don't know what Mom has planned for today, but I at least plan to come up to the cemetery to see you. I don't think it'll be for a long visit, but I do want to come talk to you for a bit.

Thank you, Dad, for being the best father-in-law a girl could ever ask for. I just wish I'd known you longer than seven years... and I wish Danny could have known his grandfather.

Take care, Dad. We love you, and miss you terribly.

Your daughter-in-law,
Jo