To My Nephew

Hey Mason!

When your Dad came down to Milwaukee for our Grandma's funeral we got to talking. Like any proud Dad, Andy spoke about you and Foster. The more we talked the more I heard from your Dad how much you and I are alike. When I was in the 5th grade (you know back in the stone age). I read about 20 books about the civil war and I was into politics and how the country was being run. We had Vietnam. Your generation has Iraq (I don't like George Bush either!). By the way here are two great links with pictures of the civil war: http://www.mikelynaugh.com/VirtualCivilWar/New/Originals2/index.html

http://www.civil-war.net/cw_images/index.htm

I remember reading books and learning things that you were supposed to get in college. I think you learn like that too. It's a cool thing but, at the same time, it can be hard for other kids to understand or keep up with the things that you like. That's really why I'm writing. I want to tell you how proud I am of you, to let you know that I am thinking of you and if it's ok, write (exchange emails?) with you about any and all the things you like to learn. Maybe that's what Uncles are for?

I'd love to hear about what you think about the State of the Union, the beginning of the universe, how countries should be run, how computers are both good and bad, the best way to make a tackle-anything your mind is focusing on right now. Here's a quote that means a lot to me:

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Robert A. Heinlein

What do you think?

Much Love

Matt matt.hakes@gmail.com