Letters From Tim

I can tell as the days get closer to Tim’s departure that not only is he getting more emotional but Briggs is getting more worried about the time he has left to spend with his dad.

Tim had promised Briggs some time alone once the little kids went to bed last week. As they were watching their all-time favorite movie, Lord of the Rings (don’t know which of the trilogy), the only thing I could hear from my office was Briggs voice. The kid just didn’t quit talking. On a few occasions, I could hear Tim quietly say, “Shhh…we are suppose to watch the movie.” Briggs’ giggled, ” I KNOW, I KNOW…I AM TALKING SO MUCH.”

The kid was so excited it was contagious. I haven’t seen him smile and talk like that in so long that it made me happy and sad all at the same time.

I have come to the conclusion that my aunt was dead-on when she told me years ago that we are meant to be in pairs…just like Noah’s Ark. Because it would be impossible for me to parent solely on my own, without the influence of Tim, and raise healthy children.

He adds such a underlying sense of patience and love to this household. He portrays deep understanding and an emotional stability. He has a way of explaining things that is non-confrontational. When he is with the kids he is WITH them, dedicated to THEM. He listens to them. He is a MAN but he cries. He is a disciplinarian but he HUGS. I am hear to tell you…I don’t do all of these things and if I do, I don’t do them nearly as well as Tim.

Briggs tried giving me a really wimping hug this weekend…total fish arms! I stopped him in his tracks. I said, “Do you know one of things that attracted me most to your dad? His hugs. He would never be the first to let go and it was always firm and meaningful. There is no way I am letting you get away with that wimpy hug.”

Tim looked at me and said, “Debbie [one of my dearest friends] told me the same thing when I saw her this week.”

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Special thanks to…In the midst of all the craziness in Mayhemville, we celebrated Briggs’ Eighth Birthday at Great Wolf Lodge. Cathy Rood, Judy Pugh and Lori Thomas were kind enough to stay with the twins for the weekend so it could be just about the boys. I can only say thank you for being so kind to grant us the time alone. We love the girls but not so much in a waterpark! It was comforting to know they were being well-cared for and totally spoiled back at home. Mark, Terry, Sax, and Evane for making the trek from Nashville. All of our friends, neighbors, family and co-workers that stopped by to say hello. My mom for a great dinner at her home. Aunt Nine for making a long trip for a very short time.