Date Night

Today (and night) was special, special, special for Mommy and Daddy—“Date Night!” It was also special for each of you as well, as you spent the evening with GiGi and GiPa!

The day began quite early (around 4:30 a.m.) for Daddy, who fell asleep exhausted last night and then awakened so early. By 7:00 a.m., you joined Daddy Ms. Bodhi and requested “just one popcycle.” Daddy opted for a glass of chocolate milk and a banana for you instead. By 8:00 a.m. you joined Bodhi and Daddy, Buddha, requesting some apple juice.

Mommy then joined the three of us, and shortly thereafter Daddy was off to work to do some volunteer academic advising. Mommy played with the two of you throughout the day, and got everything prepared for your evening at GiGi’s.

Daddy got home from work at 4:00 p.m., and Mommy drove the two of you over to GiGi’s and then returned to pick Daddy up for our date. Brother Sean Franky gave Mommy and Daddy Christmas gifts of a gift card to Olive Garden restaurant and a gift card to the movie theatre. GiGi and GiPa, Daddy later discovered, gave Mommy an additional gift card to contribute to our dinner-dateJ. Both of you were excited, to understate the matter, to spend time with GiGi and GiPa, so Mommy and Daddy were at ease in having our time out.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden, then went to the 6:30 p.m. showing of “Lincoln.” Both Mommy and Daddy were excited about the prospect of seeing the film, and both Mommy and Daddy left the theatre agreeing and discussing the film (and the acting—especially by Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln—the direction, the screen play, the whole film project!) as the best motion picture either had ever seen. The story of President Lincoln’s management of the Civil War, preparation for peace, the passage of the 13^th Amendment abolishing slavery, the story and the presentation of the story was spell-binding! The suffering of President Lincoln, and symbolically of our nation, was made more comprehensible by this incredible film. Everyone should see this film. Every one!

Someday each of you will mature to an understanding of your times and of the history of our nation, and you will be humbled by the demands of character placed upon each of you as you make your contribution to this world, and leave your footprint on eternity. Each of you is a special child, and Mommy and Daddy understand a certainty concerning the destiny each of you will play out in your lifetimes.

“Date Night” is important to Mommy and Daddy, and it is important to each of you as well. Together or temporarily apart—we grow as a family. And the love that exists for us is a power that binds together history and the promise of tomorrow.

Love, love, loveJ.

Bodhi, since your bro wears your dresses, you decided to take up shaving ha/ha