Dear Son,

I hope this letter reaches you at your new address. That was quite a move you made to the West Coast. Your mother and I are proud of you as always. Remember, it takes time to adjust to new surroundings so don’t beat yourself up if you find that you need more time to get used to your new city. You have a roof over your head and a job so you’re in a better position than most.  Should you need anything, let your parents know. Your mother is probably going to send you a care package even though you haven’t asked for it. No matter how old you are, you’ll always be her baby.  And don’t forget that Brooklyn will always be home.

Choosing to write letters instead of calls and text messages is a good idea. Of course, if there’s an emergency the landline and our cell phones are on. You know your old man stays off the internet if possible and isn’t the greatest with technology. But if you give me a set of power tools, I can work wonders anywhere. Well, I know you’re busy with work so I won’t press you if your replies take a little bit longer as long as you do write. Your brother is on vacation yet again, I swear at first he refused to get on a plane now he’s obsessed with frequent flyer miles. Your sister is just like you, trying to read anything she can get her hands on and always talking about Hemingway, Hansberry, and Steinbeck. That’s my girl.

Your mother has decided to proofread every letter I write. For someone who hated English class in high school, she sure is adamant about correcting grammar now. However, since we are both retired and old, forgive us for any typographical errors you see. We always remind ourselves that growing old is a privilege. You’ll get there one day and understand that the doctor becomes a routine part of your monthly calendar. Speaking of doctors, we took the cat to the vet, nothing major, and he had an upset stomach.  Apparently, your mother caught him eating dust the other day. You know, if there’s one thing I learned about living with a feline, it’s that logic is overrated. But, we love him to death and he already misses you.

Yesterday I found some of the old records that I bought decades ago. And yes they still work. And as fate would have it, my copy of All Day Music by War was the first one I saw. It feels like 1971 all over again.  Good times. Well, kid, I gotta run, the NFL is on and your mother is calling me from the kitchen, who knows what type of project is taking place in there. Take care of yourself and be careful in the Sunshine State. Write soon.

With love,

Dad.