Our (formerly) Little Boy
It’s inexplicably been 18 years since you came into our life. Our first child, something I kind of assumed would happen when I was your age…then something I wondered HOW would happen as I was in my twenties…then something I wondered IF would happen as I reached my 30’s. Your Mom and I crossed paths and that possibility became a hope – and one that I realized was by no means guaranteed. Thankfully it came to pass and as we imagined the moment our ‘Zy’ and ‘Bean’ would “arrive” it was more and more real then suddenly it was. The realization that we had a little boy was and remains almost inconceivable – let alone the person you have grown to become.
There are many things parents do for and to their children, in good ways and bad. I see in you my temper (not always great) but also my humor. I see your mother’s intrinsic kindness and empathy. What I respect about you deeply is that also have and have always carried yourself with profound character, a sense of justice and a strong will to do what you know to be right. You are a trustworthy and principled human being, someone that is a genuine and reliable friend, will be a wonderful partner to those you will love and a source of profound pride for your mother and me.
Never, ever forget that when you’re facing tough times or enjoying success the measure of who you are is not in what you own or have, but WHO you are and how you treat those around you – especially those you love and who love you. Don’t let a world that can be unjust or unkind change you from the joyful, uplifting person I know you to be (and that will not always be easy to sustain or the light in you easy to see in darker days).
Know – truly know – that our love for you is absolute and enduring. You and your brother are by far the most important things in our lives and the source of boundless joy and pride.
I see such an amazing young man when I look at you – someone with tenacity, a tremendous ethic and a stubbornness that sometime frustrates but usually inspires me. An agile mind that challenges and frankly astonishes me with intellect and curiosity. A sharp and insightful sense of humor, irony and sarcasm combined with endless curiosity. A focus and discipline that (unlike me) resists impulse and acts judiciously far beyond your years. An aura of maturity and steadiness that makes you a natural leader.
I have deep love, respect and pride in you. You are in every sense of the word a good person, someone who will make the world a better place simply for being in it as the human being you are. As you take steps into the next stage of your life know that you will always have a home wherever I am, a listening ear (even if I cannot quite comprehend whatever subject you’re easily and intimately knowledgable of) and open arms (even if I have to reach up to hug you).
You are our baby boy and are adored beyond words, even these. I love you and wish the happiest of birthdays today and wish you many, many more to come.
With Love,
-Dad