On this day 13 years ago, I become a dad.
Fatherhood was something I never planned for my future.
Fatherhood was something I never planned for my future.
I had a few reasons but mostly the world was a crazy place and I didn't want to put that burden on another.
But a wise woman named Aunt Alice told me that I would most certainly regret it.
And, that is why she was a wise woman, because she was right.
And, that is why she was a wise woman, because she was right.
My cynicism was set aside on the day Kyle was born.
Seeing him for the first time made me want to be better.
Fatherhood enabled hope.
And maybe that is what is all about.
So Kyle, happy birthday, and thank you for giving me the gift of dad.
It has been an absolute honor being your father and I look forward to seeing where you go from here.
I will persevere.
I will keep moving forward.
I will be the stream.
Look at that little guy! His face has not changed! I love it. Does he really like blueberries or is that an attempt to make it a healthy cake? Happy Birthday to Kyle! My fave pic is him crouched down on the rocks. So cute!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bijoux. Yes, he loves blueberries. A lot. And lots of other fruits too.
DeleteWhat a great smile he has! Happy Birthday to Kyle!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret.
DeleteOh My, a teenager! It's amazing what having a child does to us. Wishing you all a great day in celebration of Kyle.
ReplyDeleteThank you, kden.
DeleteI became a father later in life than most. I too have never regretted the decision.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Ed.
DeleteYou are sooooo lucky! Happy Birthday Kyle.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dave R.
DeleteHe's a great boy and surely a joy to watch grow up.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly is, Joanne.
DeleteI was gonna say something pithy and smart and funny and then I read this ...
ReplyDelete"So Kyle, happy birthday, and thank you for giving me the gift of dad."
... and now my eyes are leaking.
Lucky Dad; lucky kid.
HBD Kyle!
Sorry, Bob, and thank you.
DeleteWow, I love all of those wonderful pictures! Happy Birthday to Kyle! Turning 13 is a big deal! I read your tribute to your Aunt Alice. It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bonnie.
DeleteWhoa!
ReplyDeleteAnother Birthday? Yay Kyle!
And fatherhood does have its rewards. People who become parents and are good at it deserve all the kudos. I think you and your wife have done a great job with the kids: they seem adjusted and are loved. A proud father for a proud son.
Happy Birthday, fellow Aries!
XOXO
Are you trying to make me cry, Sixpence? Thank you.
DeleteHappy birthday!! What an amazing gift to the world--you as a father and Kyle as your son!
ReplyDeleteThanks, JM.
DeleteGoodness, Kyle looks more like you every year! He looks like a very happy kid. Who is now a teen. I wasn't around in 2012 when you wrote about your Aunt Alice and her influence on your life, so I just want to say that is a wonderful reflection on your relationship with her. She must have been so proud of you then, and I'm sure that pride would only grow if she were still here today. Happy Birthday to Kyle!
ReplyDeleteThank you, jenny_o..
DeleteCute baby, handsome young man! Happy Birthday Kyle!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanette.
DeleteHappy birthday, Kyle! Such an open and cute face he has, adorable!
ReplyDeleteThank you, IACW.
DeleteThe dads who realize how lucky they are also seem to have the luckiest kids. Ever notice that? Happy belly button birthday Kyle. Happy dad-day, Mr. S.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby.
DeleteAww Happy birthday to him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary.
DeleteBeautiful post. Congrats to you for listening to a very wise woman! Wonderful photo's.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandy.
DeleteI love that face..happy birthday sweet boy.
ReplyDeleteTY, YDG!
Delete