Dear Frederick,
I know that it's been a while since we've spoken, and I hope you still remember your old grandpa! If I had one wish at the moment it would be that you lived closer, so we could do the things I used to enjoy doing with your father and Uncle Niles. Even though your Uncle Niles has started a family now, with David and now the newest baby which will be here in a few short months, I want you to know that there will always be a special place in my mind for you. You see, you're my first grandson, a role that no one can ever take away from you. You are growing up much too fast, but I want you to know that I'm quite proud of the young man that you've become. I tell my buddies at the station and at the bar all about you, and you've become, in an honorary way, a member of the force. Not that I wish that life upon you. Being a policeman meant that I had to make many sacrifices, ones in which I would do differently if I had the chance. You see, I missed out on so much of your father's life growing up. I was lucky...your grandmother Hester went to all of your father's plays, his shows, whatever it was that caught his interest. Me, I am ashamed to admit that I got bored silly going to a Shakespeare play. I fell asleep several times if I recall correctly, to the point where your father asked me to stop going.
I guess we can laugh about it now, but you know, I would give anything to be part of your life. I don't mean visiting on holidays or sending you a few bucks for your birthday, but rather a real life presence. I don't know what the future holds, but I want you to know one thing...I am proud of you, Freddie. You may test your parents' patience at times, but I understand you more than you think I do. You're at the age where you're trying to figure out who you are, what it means to be a young man. I do think that Frasier could have been a more pivotal role in your development, but as things are what they are, I hope you can learn to appreciate your father for who he is.
He's a pain in my as...I mean my butt, but I wouldn't trade a day with him for all the money in the world. He's proven to be a good son, so that gives me hope that somehow his influence will stay with you, even though you don't have the kind of relationship a boy needs with his dad. But I have faith in you, Freddie. Some things a man's gotta figure out for himself. If the Crane genes kick in at all, I know that whatever you do in life, you'll go far.
Please don't think too harshly of your father. He sacrificed your years when you needed him the most in order to take care of this old man. I know I wasn't easy to live with, especially in the beginning when he first moved in with me. But as the years went on, your father and I grew kind of close, and I cannot thank him enough for what he's done for me.
He's still doing it. I don't know if you know this, but your father has moved back in with Ronee and myself. For how long, I don't know, but know this about your father...he truly puts family first. Even if you can't see it, I want you to see your father as I see him. A pain, yes, annoying, most of the time, but he's a good son, and I know that he's a good father.
Why am I writing this? I'm sure your mother will be having a talk with you soon. Just know that no matter what happens you're my first grandson, and will have quite the name to carry with you in life.
I wish I could see you more, but I know how important your school and your friends are to you. I'm not asking anything...Just know that I'm proud of you, more than you could ever know.
Grandpa Martin
As Ronee finished writing the letter that Martin had dictated to her, she glanced over at her husband. She knew well the reasons why he was doing this. He'd been having a good week, and if anything, he'd learned to make every moment count. If there were any blessings in this whole scenario, is that no longer did he or Ronee take anything for granted. Life was far too short, as the whole family was about to find out.
TBC
