Brandon Figliolino
April 12, 2019
Dear Kannon
Dear Kannon,
There’s an up-and-coming band that I’ve been enjoying the past few years called AJR. Most of their music is silly and full of different electronic sounds you’d love. Some of their songs are inappropriate for a little guy like yourself, so you’ll have to wait a while before you can enjoy their full-length albums.
There is, however, one song they released this year that is unlike the others. It’s acoustic and quiet and heartwarming. It reminds me of you.
The song is about the singer’s unborn son, Winter, and how he must meet his mom before they can meet. That part isn’t applicable to you, though; your parents are already in love and know one another! What is relevant are the stories and advice the singer shares to Winter. There are some adult lines in the song that I like, but they aren’t appropriate for a baby to read, so I’m leaving them out for now. Here are some of the baby-aged lines I love, and how they apply to you:
“Dear Winter, I hope you like your name…’Cause Winter is a badass name.”
When your mom told me your name the day of your gender-reveal party, I was elated. Kannon is unique. In fact, a Japanese Goddess named Kannon was the goddess of mercy and pets, which explains why your cats Duncan and Quinn love you so much! Kannon is also great because “can” is embedded within it, and I want you to remember that you can achieve greatness with hard work and grit.
“Dear Winter, I hope you talk to girls or boys or anyone you like. I just hope you don’t stay in every night.”
There is so much this world has to offer you, Kannon. Take advantage! Sometimes it’s okay to be scared. I was scared to travel to England in high school, but because I went, I got to play the viola in another country, and I got to carry the Garfield balloon in the London New Year’s Day parade! You probably won’t know about Garfield for a while, but just know he’s a cool cat.
Sometimes it can be scary to make yourself vulnerable, but when you take chances, not only will you make memories, you’ll learn and grow as a person.
“Dear Winter, don’t move too far away and please don’t say I’m hovering, when I text you to ask you about your day.”
When you grow up, you’ll be able to explore more than just the park across the street from your house. You’ll have the world! No matter where you travel, I will be within reach. Always and forever.
Love,
Uncle B
