Dear Junior,

Lloyd, our trusty 02 Toyota Corolla, is rumbling along the ribbon of concrete that stretches between University Town and M, MN. Fields of snow stretch out on either side while brief glimpses of sunshine poke out from a sky crowded with long, grey cloudbanks. Semi’s lumber by, kicking up tufts of snow that drifted earthward earlier today, SUV’s and pick-up trucks pass me at ease, and even compact hybrids seem to zip by as I plod along at 70 MPH. That’s OK with me, I’m enjoying the drive as I munch on Cheetoes and Freetos corn chips while listening to another taped installment of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Since I know the story so well my mind drifts to one of my favorite daydreams lately, you. I’m anticipating sharing some of my favorite old movies and TV shows with you like Star Wars and Star Trek The Next Generation & Voyager. Yuppers, your Pep and Mem as well as Aunt and Uncle are trekkies. When our children were growing up watching Star Trek the Next Generations and later Voyager was part of their bedtime ritual. The kids would get their jamies on before we would gather around the television to switch it on and invite our Star Trek buddies into our living room as we traversed the galaxy with them and shared in their adventures. After the show was over we often had wonderful conversations about the episodes and the storyline. Often the shows would reflect current events or historical dilemmas like ethnic cleansing or the effects of civil wars. I have discovered when families watch a television show together and spend time discussing it after, the show takes on greater meaning and events that were disturbing or confusing come to light.

Suddenly, as I anticipated sharing in some of these activities with you the snacks in my hands didn’t taste so good. This question began to nag me, “How long would I be around to share in these and other activities with you?” Well the obvious answer was as bloody long as I could! I want to share so much of life’s adventures with you, far beyond sitting and watching movies & TV shows. There are so many ways to partake in the wonders of life with a loved one… hiking up mountain tops, kayaking the fiords of Norway, whitewater rafting the rapids of the Rockies, or just sitting beneath a canopy of stars and pointing our telescope at a distant point of light to imagine what that place might be like. To do these things I need to be healthy, in shape, hell…alive! All of a sudden every negative nutritional nugget about the junk food sitting next to me came back in sudden rush. Sure a few cheese puffs or greasy corn chips won’t hurt… much. BUT I want to, need to do everything to stay alive and healthy and virile to be prepared to live and laugh and dance through life with you!

See what you have done to me dear grandchild!? You are not even born and I am re-examining my life habits. This is the time when many people make New Years Resolutions to change of improve their lives. These resolutions often include things like lose weight, exercise on a regular basis, read more, write in a journal or diary every day, and on and on. I have not been immune from partaking in this ritual in the past. Like many others these well-meaning life-altering intentions often fell to the wayside within a week or two. This year I only have one Resolution: do everything possible to keep healthy of mind, body and spirit so I will have many, many, many years to enjoy the wonders life’s journey with you and any other grandchild that arrives in this magnificent world.

Thank you dear one for refocusing my priorities on the most important aspect of being alive, family. I thank the Creator I’ve been fortunate enough to know you from Moment One. Now it’s time for me take a brisk walk across campus to my office and bring some order to that mess. Until next time dear grandchild… be well, play hard, laugh often and know you are Loved.

Pep