We plan for the special moments.
Birthdays.
Anniversaries.
The visit of friends.
A long anticipated trip.
But, in the end, it is the everyday moments which matter the most.
The hand held.
The meal shared.
The game of catch.
The game of cards.
The kiss goodnight.
After all, it is those everyday moments which add up to a lifetime.
Happy Birthday Jason!
Thirty five years ago at about 11:45 pm Central Daylight Savings time my life changed forever. Our first child was born.
I thought I was ready to be a parent.
To be a dad.
To be a family rather than to be a couple.
Little did I know.
I did my best to grow into my new role as a father.
I am still growing into that role.
I know I am who I am today because of my sons.
And, all they have given me and all they have taught me.
I am grateful beyond measure.
Proud beyond measure…of both of them.
Thank you both.
And, happy birthday Jason.
Happy Birthday
Thirty two years ago today our oldest son was born.
I thought I was ready to be a parent.
Little did I know…
What it would mean.
What it would ask of me.
What joy and wonder and learning being a parent would be and bring.
There was the miracle of his birth.
There was the driving him around until he fell asleep only to have him wake up the moment we put him down in his crib. There were books and soccer and jumping in the waves at the ocean. And his growing up.
Now looking forward to being a father himself.
Some years ago I bought my wife a cross stitch picture of this saying:
The decision to have a child is momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
So, there my heart is.
Outside my body.
Walking around.
Looking at and seeing the world in his own unique way.
And, in his own way, adding to and making the world a better place.
So, with the deepest gratitude and abiding prayers;
And with tears in my eyes…
Happy Birthday.
P.S. And, the reality is I have not one heart, but two.
The other heart is walking his own path towards tomorrow.
But surrounded with the same love and same joy and same deep wonder and gratitude.
But today is not his birthday.
