Happy Birthday Son...To The Soon-To-Be Father

Almost three decades. You weren't supposed to be born on April Fools Day--we went into the hospital on March 30th to prevent that from happening--but you began your life on your own terms (that, and a big head...) and decided to arrived during the Final Four semi's two days later. 

All parents say their children are adorable, but we have photographic proof. You were happy and entertaining and you never NEVER wanted to go to sleep...just so much to see, to hear, to feel, to eat, and you wanted to do it all. I believe that's why it was too tough getting you to take a nap.

Now, you're an adult with a wonderful wife, responsibilities, and a baby on the way.

Everyone who has had children say the same thing, "Having a child changes your life." They say that because fewer things in life are as true as that statement. Before the child arrives, you're a couple, two people thinking you know what's going to happen--everyone's told you how it's going to be. You've prepped the house with a crib and the car with a carseat, baby clothes and toys, both bought and donated, await the new life.

You'll be a year younger than I was when you came along. I thought being in my upper twenties I'd be prepared, but you're never really ready. And that's a good thing, I believe. There are things you can learn no other way. It's the way it's supposed to be.

Today signals the beginning of not just another year, but the start of challenges and blessings and experiences that will mold you as a person, as a couple, as a family. I hope you have a wonderful birthday and an even better year that lies ahead.

Happy birthday, son, who will soon be a father.