Breakfast with PopPop

As I was leaving for work this morning, I glanced over at my parent's house and saw a note taped to the back door. I walked over to investigate and found this treasure:

Morning Instructions For Christian

Morning Instructions For Christian

I've blogged before about the morning ritual Christian shares each day with his grandfather. This kid really does live the good life. Last week, my dad spent several days in the hospital, which put a major dent in Christian's breakfast routine. I took him to visit PopPop in the hospital and my dad made it clear that he would be coming home soon. Christian leaned over and politely mentioned, "So I'll see you tomorrow for breakfast?"

I could not script a better relationship than this, but what I loved most about this picture is that it's clear that this time together is important to both of them. PopPop did not want his little buddy to be confused: "Go get changed...Come out to me...We'll have breakfast later."

Thinning The Table Grapes

Thinning The Table Grapes

As I drove out the driveway, I stopped to snap this quick picture of my dad. He's been out of the hospital two days. It's 6:30AM and there he is in the middle of his grapes. His favorite place on earth. Working hard and waiting for his little buddy to show up.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Celebrating 83 Years

A happy birthday to my dad who turns 83 years old today. Here are a few pictures I found recently. First, a picture of him as a young man with a clean shaven face and a thick head of dark hair. Second, catching some sun and some shut-eye on a warm dock.

Joe Fletcher

Fishing at Lake Berryessa, 1979

I've been alive 45 years and I'm very thankful for the time I've been given to spend time with my dad and learn from him. His example of service, faithfulness and consistency seem so unreachable at times and I hope that someday I can reflect to others a fraction of what he has been to me.

Happy Birthday Dad

Quietly making noise,
Fletch

Mighty Joe Drives

People often ask me how Mighty Joe is doing. If you have been around theMangoTimes for any amount of time, you will know that this kid has a history. Link back to read and discover the glory of God in Joe's life here. Overall the kid is a miracle. Hello? He wasn't supposed to be able to walk or see. Now he stars in his own movies and has his own Facebook page. I see God's handiwork everyday I am with Joe. Moving on...

Last month I received a text message from home telling me that Mighty Joe had taken up driving. Apparently, he hopped in PopPop's golf cart and decided to take it for a spin. 

Here are a few interesting facts:

1. Mighty Joe does not know how to drive or steer.
2. Mighty Joe has never been given golf cart driving lessons.
3. Mighty Joe is not allowed to drive the golf cart.
4. I guess you would say that Mighty Joe can't actually drive. At all.

Mighty Joe has mastered the concept of acceleration.

He has also mastered stopping. (The house helped).

Upon hearing the thud, Grammy Cookie ran outside and found the aftermath of MightyJoe's first driving attempt. Note: MightyJoe was nowhere to be found. He may have his challenges, but he knows when a spanking is coming and he knows how to disappear quickly.

Quietly making noise,
Fletch