A Letter to Sylvia written July 31 2008…

Mom,

I forgot to share a story with you. When we were in Cabo, Frank wanted to go to a place called Todos Santos. It is about an hour drive up the Pacific side of Baja. On our way we stopped at mile marker 57 (Frank called it Heinz 57). It was a beautiful beach, and we stayed there all day. Frank baked himself with his accelerator again :). Denine and I gathered some shells, and took in all the beauty of "Dad's secret paradise." After Frank was burnt to a crisp, we moved on down the road to the town, Todos Santos. On our way, Tommy and Frank were talking about the places they wanted to visit. One place they mentioned is called "shut up Frank's." I was all excited to see this place. Actually, the place was a dive, but I didn't care… I wanted a hat! Dad bought me a red and white cap that read "Shut up Frank's." I was ecstatic! I asked dad if he would sign the cap for me. A few days later, I found a permanent marker, and I took the cap to him. I told him to sign the beak. He frowned - you know that look… appalled that I would suggest ruining a cap that way. So he signed around the inside of the cap. He wrote this: If I had listened to that I would not have had room to tell you how much I love you mucho grande. Pop.

I treasure this cap… it is my favorite find while in Cabo, and will remain one of the most special gifts I've ever received.

When Denine and I returned from Cabo, I took the shells and poured them out on the kitchen table… the table Frank made. I told Denine to pick out her favorite shells from the special beach. Together we picked out these shells - all the pretty ones. I took a little cloth that I picked up in Cabo and put the shells inside. Then I took out the bag of sand that Denine and I had brought back from Cabo in 2005. I added a few pinches of this sand and sprinkled them over the beautiful shells. I then tied the little cloth together like a tiny little package. I am saving this little package for Frank to take with him when he leaves.

I just wanted to share this with you. I thought you would like the story.

I love you…

Donna

That is a beautiful story and he will like very much to take the sand and shells from his secret paradise with him. You are so thoughtful. I love you too mucho grande!

love you,

Mom

Francis F Dumschat