Uncategorized | Dad In Training – The Practice of Parenthood

My Darling Son,

I honestly still cannot fathom that you are now six years old. In many ways it has gone way too fast and I still see in you the infant that I can protect and shelter from the harms of the world. But I also know you are destined for great things in this world and out in it you must venture.

And venture you have as the past year has been a complete whirlwind of life. You’ve started and finished preschool, moved to an entirely new city and started the challenge of kindergarten, and experienced first-hand the birth of your baby sister. You’ve lived in hotels and Airbnbs for weeks at a time, felt the uncertainty of displacement as we navigated the fog of life’s gigantic changes this year, and all while being the brightest of shining starts imaginable. You have carried more water than any 5-year-old should ever have to, and you’ve done it all remarkably.

You are so kind, so gentle, so full of love, pure of heart, and absolutely incredibly brilliant. I truly am at a loss for words to describe how beautiful of a human you are. I knew this of you from the moment I first held you but somehow you just keep raising the bar higher at every turn. My heart somehow manages to grow three sizes every single day. You give me more faith in the innate goodness of humanity than anything or anyone else I’ve ever encountered.

So shine on. The world needs your light and your love, and I am beyond proud that you are so willing to share that light and love with us all.

I love you.

My Darling Baby Boy,

Today was your first birthday, and it was spectacular. Despite being 2,100 miles away from where you were born and not yet living in our new home, your mom organized the best party EVER for you. There were decorations, cake, singing, presents, lots of playing, Grandma GiGi and Grandpa Bill were there, and to top it off, you walked!!!! You took your first steps (3, then 5, right into mommy’s arms) and it was absolutely magical. I cannot tell you how proud and amazed I am at you today. You grew up right before my very eyes. Even though it was only 1 day it felt like you grew up a full year. You’re smart, energetic, happy, gentle, curious, fearless, loving, the list is endless.

I am so humbled to have been a part of your life for these past 12 months; I could not have asked for anything more. You’ve taken your first steps on your own in this world. As you take more and venture into the unknown, please know that I will be there to guide you, encourage you, comfort you, heal you, protect you, lift you, catch you, and love you. You will explore your world with reckless abandon, but you can feel safe knowing that I will always be there when you need me.

Happy Birthday.

I love you.