It’s the holiday season and a lot of us are spending time with our families. During this time my thoughts think back to my father and how much I miss him.

A few months ago I was up visiting my family in the Seattle area. One of the reasons was to help my sister clear out some files my Dad had. It’s been over 11 years since he passed but a lot of his stuff we haven’t touched. It was tough, we shared a few tears going through everything. He seemed to keep everything. Postcards, photos, software manuals, and tons of letters. One of the letters caught my eye because it was from me. I wrote it to him and my stepmom Linda (and Lady and Jaxon, their two dogs) on one of my first trips to New York City. I believe it was a RIS Media event. I love that he kept it.

I think those of us that travel a lot for work love some of the experiences we have on the road. Reading this letter brought me back to the feeling of being a “big shot” and wanting to share my experiences with my Dad. There are so many other experiences since he passed that I wish I could share with him now.

Hope you enjoy it (I’ve transcribed it since it’s on two pages and my awful cursive handwriting).

Dear Dad and Linda,
 
Greetings from New York City!! I’m staying at the Waldorf Astoria, which I’ve only heard about in movies.  A real estate technology conference is being held here.  When I got here on Sunday, at the airport, I had fun telling the cab driver, “The Waldorf please!”  I thought I sounded like a real big shot!   Anyway the hotel is very “swanky”, and when I saw they had hotel stationery in my room I couldn’t resist to write your both a letter.
 
 Last night we went to a Jazz Club called “The Iridium”. Les Paul was playing his electric guitar, which is fitting since he invented it.  He played mostly old standards and my friends and I had a really good time.  I only wish Jenn was here because she would have enjoyed the show too.
 
 But Jenn has bigger problems, our new boy Cole!! I brought a bunch of pictures with me but I really am missing him.  He is so adorable.  Pictures don’t do him justice!!
 
 Well gotta go, my flight back leaves at 2:00 PM today.  I miss you both.  Give Lady and Jaxon a kiss for me.
 
 Love Greg.

If your Dad is still alive give him a hug and tell him that you love him. Happy Holidays everyone.