HBD, KYLE!!!

How it started 



Kyle and Quincy, his first basset (2009)

How it is going


Kyle and Lucy (2023)

Looking at those two photos makes me want to bawl my eyes out.
I can't believe how quickly these 14 years have gone by and he's getting closer and closer to heading out into the world on his own. I need to remember that I shouldn't be sad that it's almost over but I should be happy that it happened and I was there for all of it. 

I had no idea what kind of dad I was going to be but I had a good idea of what kind of dad I was not going to be thanks to my biological dad not being around. 
He left my mom and me when I was a baby and I spent, unbeknownst to me, a big chunk of my life always seeking his approval. 
I never got it from him and I did a lot of dumb and destructive things to try and fill that void. 
Fortunately, with some medicine, therapy, and a wonderful person that you all know as Mrs. Shife, I learned that I didn't need his approval and started on a path to becoming a better version of myself. 
I am still a work in progress and there are occasional days when I struggle but I'm pretty proud of where I have landed and where I am heading. 
With that being said, Kyle will never have any doubt in his mind about how I feel about him and that I will always be there for him. 
I am so glad that I am his dad and he's my son.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for him. 
Happy birthday, Kyle. 

Thanks for stopping, take care and I will talk to you soon.



I will persevere.
I will keep moving forward.
I will be the stream. 

Comments

  1. Is there anything sweeter than a boy and his dog? Enjoy your special day, Kyle!

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    1. Yes, actually, I think there is: a dad who sees himself clearly and loves his boy dearly. This post made me want to bawl my own eyes out. Mr. Shife? The one thing that I can tell you (as the mother of grown-ups) is that there is something just as moving to see your kids turn into good people.

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    2. Thanks, Debra. I was a little older when I got my first basset puppy and it is like taking a walk down memory lane watching Kyle interact with Lucy.

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    3. Thank you, Debby. I can't wait to watch him continue to grow and develop into a wonderful adult but I do wish I could hit the pause button on the calendar.

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  2. Happy Birthday Kyle. You are lucky to have such a close relationship.

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  3. You should be very proud of the job you're doing, raising a child to be a responsible adult is one of the most difficult jobs there is in the world.

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  4. Weeping. Such a heartfelt and open post, Matt! I'm happy that you rose above and beyond how you were parented and have been determined to be the kind of dad you are. Bravo!

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    1. Thank you, Margaret. Much appreciated.

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  5. We will all be a work in progress until we die.

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  6. What a cutie! Happy Birthday Kyle.

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  7. The simple thought of knowing what kind of parent you would NOT be, speaks volumes! I have also been there and even with my faults, I think I've done a pretty good job. You have done a great job and I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating all that is Kyle :)

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  8. Just from following your blog, I can tell you are a super dad! Happy Birthday, Kyle! I hope his coming year is healthy and happy.

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  9. When my oldest was younger, I couldn't wait for the day when she would leave the house. But as that day quickly approaches, I am like you, teary eyed at the thought and it is now only 16 months away.

    I've mentioned before how similar we are in our lives but you went and added another level. My biological dad left when I was six years old and never came back. Where we differ is my mom remarried a wonderful man who I now consider to be my father in every sense of the word and so I haven't spent my life seeking my biological father's approval.

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    1. You might have to do some research, Ed, and see if we are long-lost cousins. It is getting scary with the similarities.

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  10. Yay!
    Another Aries! Please give him a hug for me. And I think that what you said at the beginning summarizes it: you knew what NOT to be to be a good dad.
    You've done a great job, Mr. Shife.

    XOXO

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  11. Aww Love the pictures.

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  12. A very late happy birthday to Kyle, Mr S. My husband was harshly and unfairly treated by his father and like you he was determined to be different with our kids and I think he did a good job. Kudos to you, your mom, and Mrs S. And as Mike said, we're all works in progress. I think you're one of the more self-aware people I know. And open. And both of those things help you to help others. You've helped me, I know. Love those two photos!

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