When we learned that you would soon make us grandparents, we were over the moon in anticipation. Then you came into our world, all 9 plus pounds of baby boy.
Before we knew it, you were laughing, talking, walking. “Grandma” became “Goggie”. We don’t know why, but it stuck. The Christmas nutcrackers on Grammy’s mantle became. “nutpickles”. Clam Haven, a favorite ice cream stop, morphed to “Ham Claven”, and mutual friends, the Stroeheckers, were renamed “the Headlockers”.
Our Adventures began. Hot summer days splashing in the pool and soaring on the swing. Hikes into the Massebesic woods. Picnics and romps at Robert Frost farm, naming every spot. Jimmy the apple tree, Dancing Rock, Arnold (your choice – who knows why?). Hyla Brook wades. Running through falling oak leaves on a magically windy day in late October. Chasing fireflies. Christmas Eves, Thanksgivings. Too much to recall. Then your high school, Jr. Essay on Louie Armstrong, What a trip! Graduation. Exploring Seattle with you in Coast Guard years. Precious Amy, and then a baby girl named for my mother, whom you chose to love, and more. A bouncing baby brother for her. You have given me so many gifts!