Dear Travis,
It was forty-three years ago that you officially entered our world. We had a real scare while your Mom was carrying you and feared you might not make it. Dr. Dunkelberger ordered your Mom to have complete rest for two weeks. Every morning, I carried her from our tiny bedroom to the living room with many bright windows and canary-yellow curtains. At that time we lived in a 40' mobile home in Wilmore, Kentucky. That's right, you're a true southerner! Then, in the evenings, I'd carry her back to the bedroom. The precautions paid off and you startled us on this date all those years ago by letting your Mom know it was time to come into our world! You were not expected for another five-and-a-half-weeks! But you were joyfully received!
You continually brought us joy! We remember taking you with us - late at night - to Pizza Hut and having you sit in your carrier while we ate and marveled over you. We kissed your little feet and snuggled you at every opportunity. You slept in a bassinet at the foot of our bed. The bedroom was so small, your Mom had to climb over the bed to get into it! Your Mom used cloth diapers, and you kept her busy washing them. One time, when she was changing you, she saw your face redden. Not wanting to see you go in a clean diaper, she reacted quickly and caught your disposal in her HAND! Oh yes, she loved you!
As you grew, we could see how intelligent you were. You loved for us to read to you! The VALUE books we bought were consumed over and over again. Then, you began reading on your own. I remember the day that you told me about a book titled "The Hobbit"; you seemed to think I would enjoy it. You were right! You did well in school, but always avoided doing too well; it seems that you desperately wanted to avoid being considered an egg-head. But your capability remained in reserve, as you eventually showed years later at the Naval Academy. We were always so proud of you!
Your socialization skills were off-the-chart! You clearly got a large personality bequest from your Mom! You made friends easily and brightened every room you ever entered. People loved you! Your friends valued you! Your family prized you! Your peers respected you! You were a near-perfect blend of intelligence, humor, likability and reliability. It served you well.
You had your down times. You carried your burdens very privately. Occasionally, you would ask us for advice - or prayer. Dark periods visited your soul, but you always seemed to find your way through. You had grit and determination. But the wounds left scars to remind you of the lows you'd passed through.
Travis, it's an understatement to say that you amazed us with your life and accomplishments. You've done things and been places that utterly astound us. Aside from your understanding about nuclear reactors, you compiled knowledge and experience in so many areas. I remember you calling me one time when you were on the mast of the USS Parche. The sub had just hit open waters and you were the last on deck. You squeezed the call in for one last goodbye before submerging for 122 days (a record at that time)! I sat stunned after your call for a long time thinking about you!
We miss you so much, son! Last night, your Mom was very quiet and kind of grumpy. She almost went to bed at 7 o'clock, but waited ultimately until 8:30 PM. I suspected she was struggling; her puffy eyes were a big clue. I retired with her and held her as she sobbed for half-an-hour before finally falling asleep. This happens over-and-over. It's as though part of her was ripped away when you left us! We miss you every day! We especially miss you at holidays and family gatherings. We miss your laugh. We miss your fun-loving ways. We miss seeing you tear into Christmas packages with reckless abandon. We miss your cooking. We miss your generosity! We miss your unpredictable phone calls. I miss your, "Hey Pops, what's up?" We think of you every day and wonder how life would be different if you were still with us!
I hope you'd be happy to know that Josh has truly become part of our family. We love him as we loved you! He is fulfilling the role of 'the loving and generous uncle' to Rylie and Coltin! They love him as they loved you! Tracie and Jon are doing everything in their power to help them always remember you!
Our pain runs deep as we move on in life without you! Troy and Tracie still bring us great joy, of course. Our lives are good - but different than they would have been. I hope you understand that I just couldn't let your birthday pass without talking with you a bit. It's therapeutic for me to talk with you like this. I miss you, son! And I love you...
Pops
