I’ve been busy. Very busy. Hence, a few fewer posts, and a lot of really late nights at the office.

Plus a lot of work preparing for the life change. Next week, Dayton gains 2 residents, Steve and Nina, my parents. There will be two Esratis in the phone book for the very first time (that is if you still use a phone book). I left home at 18, first to move to Atlanta, and then to go into the Army. Other than 2 months at home before I moved to Dayton to attend WSU, we’ve been apart.

I’ve talked to my parents almost every day, or e-mailed. My father is online from dawn till dusk, writing, staying connected to his friends all over the globe. Mom finally picked up the bug a few years ago- and I’m not sure she doesn’t e-mail him to call him to dinner, even though they are right next to each other.

I’m an only child. My father was an only child. My mother’s sister died about 10 years ago and lived in Europe, so this is the extent of my family. We’ll all be living in South Park, with them across the street in one of the two cottages I rehabbed over 10 years ago- with this day in mind. I’m lucky, to have my home, my office and my parents all on one block. It’ll make it easier to be there for me in their last act, as they were there for me in my opening act.

What’s even more important to me, is how many of my friends have been looking forward to having my parents around. I’ve got great friends. I’ve got great parents. I live in a great community, where it is possible to pull this off. All the times people have asked me why I didn’t leave Dayton- to go work in advertising in NYC, Minneapolis, Portland, Boston, Chicago or LA- it’s because I knew this day would come, and I’ve looked forward to it ever since I left home so many years ago.

My parents taught me to be curious, ask questions, think and contribute something meaningful to the world. I’m not quite sure how or why- but, it’s been the gift of a lifetime.

There has been one other amazing gift in my life from my father- the book “Dear Son”– which was written to me sometime around 1969. It was a guide on what to do with my citizenship when I turned 18, if we were still living in Canada- which didn’t turn out to be the case. I’ve posted the bppl on this site for you to download and read for free- it’s an amazing retrospective of America from the eyes of an immigrant, political philosopher. I highly recommend it.

I can’t thank a few people enough for the help I’ve received getting the cottage ready: David M. for saving by butt in a pinch, Eric, Teresa, Melissa, Bob and Steve Thade of Thade Construction (if you need any work done, call them, 937-256-5290), Howard Rambo (Rambo’s plumbing- 937-220-9100), the paint pros at Miller Brothers on Wilmington Pike, Booher Carpert, and esp. to Larkin who suggested Odaban to get rid of the smell of dog pee from my old tenant.

I can’t think of anything that could make me happier than them pulling up with the moving van.

I’m a very lucky man.