Letters to a Moose, Part One: in which Bear wears capris, we see a so-so movie, and a deer attempts murder/suicide

Dear Moose:

I hope you are having a good time with your grandparents and aunt and uncles and that they are not working you too hard. Aunt Jess said she'd get you to the beach and in the pool as much as possible, but that your help will be needed in tearing out the old kitchen and helping to construct the new. Be a good helper. I know you will serve your grandfather without complaint and that is how it should be. We already miss you here, especially the Bear. He thought he'd like being an only child, but he doesn't know quite what to do with himself without you about.

After seeing you boarded we headed back to the car and I commented on how the "long" pair of shorts your dad bought Bear looked like capris pants. Looking at Bear skip/lumber through the airport I came to the conclusion that, in fact, that is what they are. I told your dad that all Bear needed was a pair of Crocs and a polo shirt and he could be like the snotty rich kids that play on the play structures at Bridgeport with their over indulgent parents looking on. Your dad groaned at the thought and I laughed and Bear turned to see what we were talking about. His dirty face, spotted shirt, and shaggy unkept hair, of course, ruined the image. We decided it might be best to return the pants and get him some regular length cargo shorts that better go with his style.

We made a short stop at Target. We found no shorts for the Bear, but shirts for your dad. Bear was unfazed as he was too busy draping himself over the large red concrete balls in front of the store. You know how he is... lying on them and patting them in a way that can only be described as communing. I know this often times embarrasses you, but really I think most people have this reaction to them, Bear's just honest enough to give in to the urge. Once we were able to get the boy to say good-bye to his spherical friends we made the 8:00 o'clock showing of Hancock. It was ok. I imagine you might go see it with your uncles. It had a weird feel to it and was emotionally unsatisfying with some odd story holes (bad story telling or editing- it was hard to tell which). It wasn't the worst movie I've seen this summer (The Happening still holds that honored place), but it wasn't the best either. If you don't get a chance to see it, don't worry we can always rent it.

After the movie we headed home. On the way into town we were almost hit by a deer! It was the weirdest thing. We were coming down the hill when a deer jumped outta the brush along the side of the road and ran right in front of the car! Your father swerved and managed to just miss it (it had to have been within a few feet of the headlights). It was so scary! Your father thought it got nailed as it crossed into oncoming traffic, but I looked behind us and there were no stopped cars, brake lights, or squealing tires. It seems the crazy animal made it across the busy road unscathed. When I see Chris I'm going to tell him to keep his stupid signs and portents away from my new car, it's dinged up enough without deer butt in the grill.

We made it home and fell into bed. The Bear hemmed and hawed outside our room. It's ok to be an only child when you are going to the movies and don't have to share your popcorn, but it's another thing entirely when there is no big brother to keep you company in the dark. We finally got him tucked in (this required hugs and kisses from both your father and I) and so ended our first day without you. It was a fairly typical summer day I suppose, remarkable mostly in the lack of your presence.

We miss you boy. I hope you have fun. Eat many muffins with blackberry jam. Grow larger (if possible) and give our love to the family.

Love,

Mom