“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” 

Mother Teresa

Yesterday I received a text from Terry apologizing that he hadn’t sent their symbols. He said that he was sorry, that they have been very busy, and he simply forgot. It happens. He said Conor had asked him about it that evening. Of course. We all know Conor’s memory is beyond description! I told him that there was nothing to worry about- they would all still be with me.

Terry, I’m not sure that “peace” is the word you would choose right now to describe your stage in life. It is a crazy, busy, chaotic, tiring time. You are in the “family blob” stage. Everything revolves around your kids, the family, and their immediate needs. Finding time for yourself and your own needs is in short supply. However, you are in such a sweet spot even if it doesn’t feel that way. These are the wonder years. Through Conor and William, we all experience the magic again! I know I am grateful for this.

I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of choosing a symbol that represents you and your family. It is a small charm that Ellen gave me for Christmas one year. It has the letters HYA on it standing for Hyannis, a place that would not be the same for me without you there. In these hectic times, the Cape symbolizes the family time that we carve out of our busy lives: miniature golf, time on the beach, dinner’s at Baxter’s, kitchen dance parties, BBQ’s on the patio, Red Sox on TV. Parties. Parties. Parties. Our family loves your family and the special time we can spend together when we are on the Cape without the hassles of everyday life. I know it has left a lasting impressions on Matthew and Charlie. I asked Charlie to describe Uncle Terry. He said, “He’s a dude.” I asked him what that meant. Charlie said, “He’s just cool, don’t you agree?” Yes, yes I do.

I am grateful for your help over Christmas this year. I know you drove all over the place to help me with the gifts and to meet us for dinner. You have always had my back. In your “cool” way, you allow things to just “be,” accepting things as they are, and trusting that it will all work out. You deal with change gracefully, and I will be channeling all these traits as I walk.