You

What I have most admired about you over the years is that you are sane and kind and resilient. And you’re the only one I’ve encountered whom I endeavored to teach something who actually learned what I taught. 

Not everything. Couldn’t teach you geometry after I saw your textbook “The Shapes of Things.” But I did teach you how to write, which you learned well. Your eulogy for Pop-Pop was lovely. More importantly for an old rogue like me, I taught you how to drive, stick shift and all. In the ruined Acme parking lot. And you taught yourself the rest of driving. So proud for my old beating heart. Except for speeding where you shouldn’t. 

No reason why you should be sane. But you are. Level-headed, more than me, and I’m a one-time corporate star.

More about that later. As I warned you. Wanted your thoughts about what dishes should be in my Single Guy Cookbook. My memory isn’t what it used to be, and I keep spinning round dishes nobody remembers. Ike maybe they didn’t like them after all, even if they came from the “Old Ladies of Salem Oak Cookbook.” Mushroom burgers.

Who am I kidding? I’m not even allowed to make my baked spaghetti tour de force anymore. Can’t stand long enough in front of the stove.

Failing now. I am. Why this memoir is so energizing for me. You might actually get it if I tell you enough about it.