In June 2019, my dad and I exchanged approximately 50 hand written letters collectively writing about our daily lives, hopes, dreams, and thoughts. This continuation of exploring my relationship with my dad comes from my own personal need to process how Kennedy’s, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, has shaped our familial relationships.  – Morgan

This seemed like such a great opportunity to share our daily lives and yet so simple. I remember staying in touch with friends and family when all we had were letters and really expensive long distance phone plans. Gone are those days and that’s ok. I was certainly way out of practice and also glad to have the chance for some stream of consciousness writing to talk about anything from daily “stuff” to circumstances, events and feelings leading to how my day now proceeds. By the end of the month it seemed so natural and had me thinking, why didn’t I think of this sooner?” – David

Dear Dad, explores my relationship with my father, and his relationship with my mother and the house they live in. My father has Kennedy’s Disease which is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder resulting in muscle cramps and progressive weakness due to the degeneration of neurons in his spinal cord. It is not very well known, and it is not a disease that is expected to shorten your life. It is commonly developed in mid-adulthood, which is the case with my father. He became aware of it in his early 40s. He has an advanced case of Kennedy’s Disease at 58 years old, and his mobility, even in our home, is very restricted. This means he relies on others and especially on my mother and brother who live with him in Kingston. This series shows his independence, resilience and character through images and text.