The Budget of Paradox

Sophia,

HERE is a song I was listening to earlier. It has a strange title: Sigh’s Smell of Farewell. I’m not sure it really means anything.

I’m just thinking of you today. I would love to hear from you.

Dad.

My dear Sophia,
I’m in Africa again. I would strongly prefer to be in the USA, near you, and be a part of your life. But I can’t. So, now, I just do whatever I can, even if it means being in a place like this.

It’s a shithole. But the food is pretty good. Then again, I already liked Arabic food before I got here. No one speaks English, which makes me a little lonely sometimes. I think of you all the time.

According to the schedule, I should be leaving here in October. But it’s only a quick flight to Athens or Rome from here. If you will be in Europe in the summer, I’d find a way to head out for a weekend to meet you. I’d do anything.

I wonder if you’ll ever see this message. I wonder if you think about me at all.

I love you,
dad

My dear Sophia,
Do you remember going to see the eclipse in South Carolina a few years ago? I paid for that trip because I wanted you and your sister to see something extraordinary. I wish I could have been there with you.

In the news, of course, I see there is another eclipse in the USA in two weeks. The path of totality won’t touch Virginia. But it’s not far. I wish we could fly to Dallas to watch it together. I wish you could see another eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse after the one in April won’t happen until August 12, 2026. It will be visible from Iceland. It’s two years away, but I would love to make a plan and a pact now to meet there. I’d happily pay for it. I’d love to see you and see something extraordinary like an eclipse. We can eat some hákarl (It’s literally rotten shark meat, not kidding; they eat that in Iceland. Okay, maybe not!).

Let’s do something amazing.

I love you and miss you,
Dad
EDIT: What do you know about Iceland? Probably nothing. I’ve never been there. But here is a short video about the island. It’s not my video; I just found it. But it looks amazing. Let’s see it together.

Sophia,
I was watching a video last night and this man reminded me of Pappa Bear. The two men aren’t identical or anything. But just reminded me.

He used to call you Sophie sometimes. I never got to ask you if you prefer Sophia or Sophie. Or, maybe when you’re 18, you’ll change it to Willodean.

I liked Pappa Bear.

Oh I’ve just come from the Land of the Sun
From a war that must be won
In the name of truth
With our soldiers so brave
Your freedom we will save
With our rifles and grenades
And some help from God

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

You just can’t believe
The joy I did receive
When I finally got my leave
And I was going home
Oh I flew through the sky
My convictions could not lie
For my country I would die
And I will see it soon

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

Do do do do do
Do do do do do
Do do do do do

When I walked through the door
My wife she lay upon the floor
And with tears her eyes were sore
I did not know why
Then I looked into her hand
And then I saw the telegram
Said that I was a brave, brave man
But that I was dead

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

I want to see my family
My wife and child waiting for me
I’ve got to go home
I’ve been so alone, you see

the source