Dear Dad, I will not be going home for Christmas either this year. Work has been so very busy at Jim’s Steak House this Holiday season that I often wonder why I do it without someone pointing a gun to my head. Then again a good Maitre d’ must be many things to many people and at the end of the night the exchange and experience of our guests make it all worth while.
You know this is the first Christmas without you and the Family misses you very, very much. I know you are in my blood, bones, heart and soul and you are in my thoughts often these days. Talked with Mom today and everyone is fine. My son Adam joined the army and is in basic training now. Guess he will not be home for Christmas either. I know you will look after him.
Am planning on taking some time off after the Holidays for my surgery and have a new series of paintings I want to create. Yeah, I know had put it off. I was waiting for you to die, could not imagine being in a hospital and missing your service. Then all of a sudden it was the Holiday Season and I could not leave them now.
On Christmas Eve when I do get home from work. I am going to light a candle by your flag, pour you a shot of brandy. Sit down still dressed in my tuxedo, sip my drink and have a quiet time with my Father.
As ever be well, with love, Stephen Craig Rowe
