July 21, 2024
Today has been filled with the effortless joy and simple pleasures that define our life together.
Finding Neverland
Dear Eloise,
You’ll find your mother to be wonderfully silly, and that’s one of the many things I cherish about her. Today, Saturday, the 21st of this insufferably hot July, has been one of the most beautiful days spent with your mother. We started our morning walk early, greeted by a slight breeze that lifted our spirits. We have this quirky habit of walking in perfect sync, our legs moving in unison. Don’t ask why; it’s just something we do, and it’s one of those little things we’ll always remember.
Later, we switched to a poolside retreat to soak up the sun we both love so much. Iris has been craving some sun, and I’m hoping to get a bit of a tan too. While your mother was engrossed in an audiobook on Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth, I was absorbed in The Big Short, which tells the story of the events leading up to the mortgage market crash of 2008. Time flew by, and before we knew it, the sun had slightly burned your mother’s skin—a rare sight, quickly remedied by generous amounts of lotion (hopefully effective).
Back home, we indulged in a laid-back meal of chicken nuggets and spicy fries, the perfect weekend comfort food, while watching Finding Neverland. This was your mother’s first time seeing the film. The creativity and imagination behind it are truly superb, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia. It reminded me of our marriage: the effortless blend of silliness and simple joy that infuses our every moment together. The film’s portrayal of being young at heart resonates deeply with us, fueling our spirits and guiding us through life’s adventures. This same mindset is something we hope to share with you one day. Your mother’s radiant energy and effervescence are evident in everything she does, and it brings me immense joy every time I see it. It’s what keeps me going and will continue to inspire me.
Your father,
Aaron Johnson.