1 Year Old

In the early hours of September 9th, 2008 our son will be 1 year old. 2:07 a.m. to be exact, and the minutes do matter. Because it was September 9th, 2007 at 2:07 a.m. that I fell into the love that only a father or mother can have for their children. It was at that instant that my life was forever changed.

I did not know that my wife held such courage and power inside of her. She brought our son into the world on heart and soul alone. I thought that I knew everything about her, but in those early morning hours from her I learned the labor of love, and the extent of courage. She did not complain once.... She understood that she was more than capable for this moment, all of her 29 years had somehow led to this. And quitely she brought this gift into our lives. I am forever humbled by the power she displayed and the gift she brought to us.

What I didn't expect about the labor was that once our son was born my wife still had work to do. Strangely this allowed me an opportunity to bare witness to the miracle that is our son, by myself for a few moments. While the labor and delivery nurses warmed him and cleaned him, I was offered a few minutes to be with my son. It only took one glimpse of him and life took on a whole new meaning. It almost defies definition or explanation, but I knew in that moment that he was the most important force in both of our lives.

Within minutes I was holding this precious little boy in my arms and all the world was right. Somehow there were no words to describe what I felt, but in those seconds I learned more than my previous 29 years had taught me. I had no idea the depths of love until the moment I held him, then I knew I would do anything for him.

That feeling has never changed, and each day I marvel at how he attacks life with the kind of joy and enthusiasm that I hope he never loses and I never do anything to take from him. He squeezes life with both hands and serves as my example of the joy and wonder that life holds if you seek it. Never did I know someone could be so perfect, and that words could never explain how I felt.

The last year has gone by in the blink of an eye, and many people have said that the ride only gains speed. It seems that I am forever reminded to grab a hold of the moment and enjoy it. But in this case I can see that they are right. The speed of life seems to only increase and somehow tomorrow quickly becomes yesterday. I look forward to seizing those moments as they are the fabric that my life is built upon.

To my wife and son, thank you for all that you both did last year at this time. You have given me the greatest gift that any man can know. My wife each day models for me what unconditional love is, and her example teaches me how I can be a better father. My son, I will spend every moment of my life in an effort to repay you for the feeling you give to me.