Missing you

Dear Jamie,

I am entering a new and exciting stage in my life. I am less than 2 months away from being be a Dad! It’s so crazy, I still can’t believe it. We are having a boy and we decided on the name Aiden Christopher. I know you would love the Irish name and that Christopher is a nod to Gramps. It makes me so sad though that I never will get to share this or other good news with you. You were my favorite person in the world to tell good news to. Your reactions were always so genuine and full of love, and you always made sure that I knew it. I can’t wait for my son to meet your kids. J you would be so proud of all of them. They are the most amazing kids I have ever met, and I am not just saying that because I am your brother. They are each so unique and adorable in their own way, but they also all share the qualities that you loved in people. They are kind, adventurous, loving, smart kids and just like us they love to dance.

You would be so proud of your husband too. He is truly one of my favorite people in the world. He has been such an amazing father to your children. He is so good with these kids and they in turn love him so much. Along with Dad, he has given me another true role model to look up to as I start my own journey as a father. I am so grateful that you chose such a wonderful person to be your partner. You know I always wanted a brother and you couldn’t have picked out a better one.

We went to Reagan’s baptism this month. The smile on this girl is ridiculous. Don’t worry Kat and Paul are taking so many pictures. It was great to see the whole family again. We even started playing soccer in your backyard. Kat and I were being as competitive as always, something I will always attribute to you.

Vanessa has been nothing less than amazing during this pregnancy. There has been little to no complaining through the first 7 months. I think I am having more food cravings then she is. I think watching how good you were during your 2 pregnancy stints has really given her a good example of how to get through this. We are still very much in love and are eagerly awaiting the addition to our family. One of the things she says that she misses about you is the way you immediately and always made her felt included. You were so good at this, and I want to say thank you because I know how much it meant to her.

I miss you. Life is not the same without you. I do my best to distract myself so that I don’t think about it all the time. I was looking through my emails today for past conversations we had and I came across an email where you said I wish I could have a Moufasso hug. Words cannot express how much I wish that I could give you that hug now.

Forever your loving brother,

Doug (Moufasso) O’Brien