Doc & Cal,

One of my favorite possessions is your great grandfather’s “Best of Bax” series. The reason is simple, it gave me a look inside my grandfather’s head. His humor, his reasoning, even the way he felt about his family, all became illuminated while reading his words. I never really knew my grandfather, so even though you obviously know me- my hope is that this helps fill in where I inevitably fail to communicate.

Though it may not have begun this way, all of my writing eventually became about you. Both of you.

I realized I loved writing at an early age. I used it as a tool to process grief at age 11. I had a ball with it as a young teenager on a platform called Xanga.com. Then websites, then Facebook, then articles, then books. And then, somewhere over time, it became an ego-driven soapbox that I desperately wanted people to care about as much as I did. So, slowly, I’ve learned to write for other reasons- primarily for you two. And your children. The first draft may still be for me, to process and remember, but the final draft is for my grandkids to hopefully do the same.

This catalogue will never be a best seller. My poetry will never be bound together in a best of collection. And that’s ok. Because the Lord has given me two sons, and nothing even comes close to the joy I have in you.

Long before you know, I prayed that these writings would bless you, and bring you as much joy as you have both brought me. I’m a believer that words are the best gift we can leave someone with. So, in your leisure, may you hear humor. In your mundane, may these writings surprise you with wisdom. In your grief, may your dad still walk beside you. And in all of it, may you long more for Christ.

Writing from the past, thinking of your future, and praying for this moment,

Love,

Dad