Letters from Dad

I saved all of Dad's e-mails since he moved to Paraguay. Here are three messages that tell a little about adjusting to his new life, the valuable role Julie played since the beginning, and how loving Dad was.

Sat, May 8, 2004 8:04 am Hi Angie and everybody! I am enjoying my life here (except for a shortage of hugs and kisses). On Saturday I was invited to a big wedding in Villa Florida. I took a carload of guests including Julie and her girls and a very pleasant Christian young man (not the country boy)who plays big brother to Julie's girls and son to her. Julie plays daughter to me, even taking my advice about many things. She introduces me to elderly ladies but I tell her that “if they are provincial locals, forget it”. In this country even the Christian single has no freedom to socialize with a friend. Not even lunch. There are plenty of group social events though, as long as you like to stay up late and overeat with the whole group.

Sat, Oct 16, 2004 8:35 am Hi Angie. I got all three packages. Thank you so much. your cards, letters and sentiments are very lovely and heartening to receive. I got myself a new fiberglass boat, a canoe, for my birthday. I have been out in it with four boys and we had a blast. We go on a beautiful little meandering river less than an hour from the city in a country wilderness or green area. My english class are cancelled for now so I am going to go paddeling with the guys and maybe with the girls too hopefully a couple of times a week. It is spring here and the weather is not real hot yet. I told my Japanese friends to skip a birthday party because they are middle of the night partyers because they all work every day so hard. Monday there will be a party at Julie's house with my favorite papaya and lilikoi and yogurt desert plus casserole etc. My best to all. p.s. that picture of my three boys is priceless. love to all. Dad.

Thu, Oct 20, 2005 10:05 am I had a full day and half the night celebrating with young friends on my birthday. Victor and Deigo Ishikawa and Natalie, who introduced me to Victor originally, took me to the Paraiso Chinese place where we ate our favorite specialties and talked in three languages. Natalie prayed a special blessing for me. At the party at Julies there were fifteen or more people for a fine lunch and lilikoi cake with no icing like i like. Julie prayed a wonderful prayer for me at her party. Today two fine young men, each 20 years old came to my house at nine AM. One is advanced in his English and a natural teacher so he is instructing the other one who is a beginner in English. I just watch and answer questions. I never know for sure what each day will hold for me but I look forward to each day because good things happen. Your greeting was the good thing that happened yesterday. Love, Dad.

~Angela