THE WHOLE DEAL

Dear Spike:

I’ll be heading out of town for a few days, starting this morning.

Viva Las Vegas.

I suppose I should be happy about that. Vegas is, after all, “The Entertainment Capital of the World” — or so the brochure says, anyway.

I am hoping to fit in at least a few hours to see some cards at the Binion’s poker room. I’ve been assigned to travel with my good friend, Rick Egan, the photographer with whom I went to Iraq in 2005. And the assignment I’ve been handed is different enough from what I normally do that it should definitely be an interesting weekend.

But really, I’m feeling rather uninspired about the whole deal. And I’m worried that I’m going to miss something while I’m gone.

It seems like every new minute you’re doing something completely different and amazing.

Last week, for instance, you started imitating your mother when she coughed — it’s really quite funny when you do it. And just this afternoon you started giggling when your mom tickled your feet.

And then tonight, just before bed, there you were in your crib, quoting Spinoza — from memory.

OK, I made that last part up. You had some notes scribbled on your hand, but I pretended not to see.

I’m going to miss you.

Lots.

And lots.

Love,
dad