Hola Alberto:
You are one of the most honest men. Thanks for that. You point out your perceptions that many of us take for granted. You have a wonderful beard, and I am so glad your wife is agreeable with your growing. There is nothing more manly than growing a man growing his man hair. It is even better that your mother and children support you.

There is something about touching it, and stroking it that is comforting. I don't know if it allows me to think, but maybe it takes attention from the worries that come into life. (I also have a dog by my feet, and she wants to be close, but my beard is different.) Especially if you never grew it longer, and had a habit of shaving, this is such a new experience for you. Everything matters. Your appearance matters, and that is why your mirror is a friend of yours. Your pride matters, and there is a sense of confidence I have with my beard. What I have more than anything else is the touch.. Touch matters. And as you grow, you will notice the new feelings you have with your beard. I love the feeling kind of like you said: "combing".

What is so good is that you post here, and share all this, because you have all the thoughts we have. We are in this together.

Yesterday, I was Santa Clause, (Papa Noel) for many children, who sat of my lap to tell me many things. I thought about what a special thing it was to do this, because those children are so honest, and innocent. They told me a lot of secrets, things about their families, if they have been good or not, and about the things they wanted in life. And I did it with just my beard, which is getting longer. I did spray it whiter than it is, but the children totally respected me because I was real.

With our beards we are real. Alberto, even here we are real, and we share real things. Thanks for doing that, hermano. I really am excited to be writing with you as your beard grows. I enjoy your philosophy.

Never worry about your English, and don't apologize for it. Our language is not Spanish or English or Norwegian or Italian, or any one language. It is our humanity and our manhood we share. It says everything.

I hope this time before Christmas is as wonderful for you as for me.
Tom