Jeremy Beitz

thinking of PHS, brothers and Tony B -- Joe Hanlon

Sixteene years have passed, and I still miss you as much as that first day. Gosh how I wish I could talk to you. In fact I do talk to you. You just don't talk back, and I have to imagine what you are saying. That sucks, but it keeps us in tune I guess. See you soon, brother. Tony

Hello, brother. Today is your 78th birthday. As always, tears accompany my words. I miss you so terribly. We are going through such strained times. We have returned to office the same president we elected eight years ago and then wisely turned out of office in 2020. Back then, he had no experience. Now he does. I worry for all weak and voiceless, for the least among us. He preys on them. I worry for your grandsons; but they are strong in faith and wise beyond their years. They will overcome....

Sorry, Jerry. I should have noted that Lara and Jolene's husband, Aaron, were missing from that photo as well as Jonah.

Fifteen years since you left us so suddenly. I miss you so much every day. I have written often to you on these pages about your extended family, but I did not know until a few days ago that I could leave of photo of them. So, here it is. August 2019. That's Jolene with her son, Henry, bottom left; to her left is your granddaughter, Norah, and to her left is your grandson, Cody; next Anna with my granddaughter, Aria's arms draped around her, then Mark, standing. Back row left is Paul, then...

Another year beloved brother. You turn 77 today, and all I can think about is the times we missed-the golf trips, the fishing trips, the jokes, the laughter. I went to your grandson, Jonah´s choral presentation Monday night. He came to dinner afterwards with Toni and me, Janelle, and Jolene and their daughter and son and Jolene´s husband. Jonah is a freshman at Hamline University in St. Paul. He is an actor and singer, majoring in special education. He must get those acting genes from you....

One more year has passed, Jerry. God, how I miss you. We visited, Bill and I, your last repose a few weeks back. A little early this year because I could not get reservations in February. It was three years since I was there because of the pandemic. As has become the habit, we placed an orchid in one of the trees lining the pool. They've cut a few back since I was there last. No alligators sighted, which never happened before. Florida suffered a terrible hurrican last year, and I wonder if it...

Happy birthday, beloved brother. I still miss you more than ever. I talk to you every day. I think the saddest thing I feel about your leaving so early is that you did not get to see your family develop. Boy, would you be proud. Lara continues to kill it in her comedy career. Jonah graduates high school in the spring. I will be there for him and especially for you. Jannie and Jo and my grandchildren, Aria and Henry, will also attend. Aria and your granddaughter, Norah, are close. I miss and...

Sorry, Jerry, not a "fly" pandemic, a viral pandemic. I have not idea why I typed "fly." I doubt anyone will see this but me, so it will just be our little joke. Fly pandemic. What does that even mean?