HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDAN

Hey Son--I hope that your nineteenth birthday is the best ever. It is difficult for me to have you so far away on your b-day, but I look forward to celebrating with you when you come home for Christmas. In case I haven't told you lately, I love you and am exceedingly proud of you.

Enjoy the big game in Baltimore this Saturday. I will be looking for you among the Midshipmen on TV. Go Navy! Beat Army!