Well it doesn't take a brain surgeon to know what this post is about. Believe it or not, Kyle is going to be 5. I certainly can't believe it but it's happening whether I want it to or not. I took some time to write him a letter and I also made a video chronicling how much he has grown up over the past five years. Thanks for stopping by and I'll talk to you soon.
Hello Kyle.
Whoever coined the phrase “Time flies” must have been a parent because it’s so true. I had to fight off a few tears (okay who are we kidding ... I cried ... a lot) while writing this letter and making your video because you are growing up so fast. It just seems impossible that you are 5 today but here we are about to have a birthday party celebrating your big day. Regardless of the fact if I want to believe it or not, happy birthday son, and I hope one day you understand how much of an honor and privilege it is to be your dad.
I thought my life was pretty swell before I met you but then a couple of ladies a lot smarter than me convinced me that having a kid was definitely something I should consider. Your momma gets most of the credit, but I also had a wonderful talk with your great Aunt Alice who let me know in no uncertain terms that I would be an idiot if I didn’t give parenthood a shot.
They were right.
Where would I be without my little man?
My Kyle Bunga?
You have changed me in so many ways over these five years. It’s been an absolute pleasure watching you grow into the thoughtful, funny, creative, and amazing little dude that you are today. Oh and did I mention stubborn.
Which is probably why I think the Brad Paisley song in the video I made for you is appropriate because you are a lot like me. Probably too much like me which is why we butt heads sometimes. However, in the end, I know you will turn out even better than me because you also have a lot of your momma in you too.
Another point of this letter is to let you know that I love you more than I ever thought I was capable of loving anything. When you get in trouble lately you tell me that “you don’t think I love you anymore.” It makes me laugh because it’s the furthest thing from the truth but it also hurts a little bit because I don’t want you ever to feel that way. As the great George Strait said, “Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end, amen.”
Finally I pray every single day that your mother and I are fortunate to help your dreams come true. And to do that, I think the most important gift I can give you on your 5th birthday is to know that I will I will always believe in you Kyle Matthew.
I love you son, and I thank the universe every single day that I get to be with you.
Daddy
P.S. Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died
P.S.S. I don’t want you to grow up too fast but I can’t wait to watch “The Sandlot” with you because it’s awesome just like you!!
I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream.
And that brought a smile to my face in so many ways. Good luck with the party, and know that it will end eventually.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful video, and letter. I started a journal for my daughter when I found out I was pregnant. I only stayed with it a few years and regret that I didn't keep it up. A yearly letter would have made a nice continuation. Enjoy the party :-)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Kyle. I hope that when you're older and read the letter from your Dad you will know that I cried too as I read it. The lump in my throat is huge 'cause I'm a sentimental old woman.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Matt. You're a great Dad. Enjoy the party, all of you.
happy birthday kyle! (and don't forget you've got the best dad in the world.)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Kyle!
ReplyDeleteMr. Shife, I must add one thing to “Time flies” - look out because time also accelerates at an incredible rate.
(spell check suggests: inc-readable)
I hope you have an inc-readable weekend.
5 big ones! I remember when he was born. Sorta. Through the internets.
ReplyDeleteHope he has a great birthday!
Happy Birthday Kyle!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jon. The party actually went well despite the weather, and the booze helped too.
ReplyDeleteThank you kden.
ReplyDeleteThank you Val. Very much appreciated. It was a good party.
ReplyDeleteThanks BP, and I will pass along the message.
ReplyDeleteDuly noted, texlahoma. It was a pretty inc-readable weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good day, Dr. Ken. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThank you Phats.
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