Dear Pop,

Sorry for the late reply but work has been a bit busy lately. How are you and how is everyone else doing? All is quiet on the West Coast, just another day of beautiful weather and a great sunset in California. Cyber-attacks have skyrocketed lately so I’ve been putting in more hours shoring up defenses around the network. And there are no signs of relief, we are on high alert all the time. That reminds me, you and mom be careful on the computer and do not open anything you cannot recognize or give out any personal information. And be careful on the phone as well. The other day I got a text message that my Bank of America checking account was suspended. There was one problem, I don’t have a Bank of America account. Mom has always had her own way and all I can say is, be happy she only texts you and hasn’t resorted to face time from the bathroom. But, let me not speak too soon, I don’t want to jinx it! I put up a Christmas tree the other day, I’ll send you a photo. It’s not as grand as mom’s work but I feel confident enough to pat myself on the back. 

I took your advice about social connections and joined a chess club. I know it may sound the most exciting, but I find the game interesting and the guys I’ve met so far are not only intelligent but some of the most down to earth people I’ve come across. I’m still a novice though and will suffer the agony of defeat for a while it seems. But the game is helping me improve my patience with things and it is mentally stimulating. I wish I could have met your mother, reading your words helps place a character to the face I’ve only seen in photos. I’ve been thinking about your words regarding how strong she was. I’ve always been amazed at how strong people can be. But what makes a person strong Pop? 

Hmmm…I don’t regret growing up in New York City. The suburbs are nice but there’s something about NYC that I haven’t found anywhere else. Sure, the violence we saw was terrible, but I never wanted to leave New York. And despite that, I have good memories from my childhood. You, mom and our aunts and uncles did an amazing job of showing us how to have a good life and good times. And it’s true that if you can make it NYC you can make it anywhere. And believe me, I like California, but I’ll always love New York City. And like the Notorious B.I.G. said, is Brooklyn in the house? Without a doubt. 

Jax has ascended to the level of supreme being. And I love even more hearing these stories. 

I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Liz, mom told me she had her health issues and had been battling them for several years. I didn’t expect to hear this, but I hope she is at peace and no longer in pain. When I was young, every time she babysat for you two, we watched the Superman film with the late Christopher Reeve. Good times and films today have some big shoes to fill.  I agree that we do not know when our last breath will be and everyday Pop, I am grateful to see another day. When I wake up, I’ll step outside and just breathe in the fresh air and count my blessings that I awoke again. She will be sorely missed. Years ago, I scanned photos from her wedding to Uncle Chuck, I can email them to you and mom if you’d like. When I think of how we will leave here, I am reminded of Maya Angelou’s advice that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. How is mom taking it? How are you holding up? Oscar Wilde once said that friendship never forgets, that is the wonderful thing about it. I agree wholeheartedly. 

Give everyone my love, 

Junior.