an open letter to noah..

My Eldest Son,

You have the imagination I have only ever had in dreams.. To hear you tell a story, I might need to pull up a chair for an hour or two (and that's if you're being sparingly low on the details, plot, and characters).. You have a gift son. I hope you know how much your excitement and ability to change negatives to positives will make a difference in this scary world.

I found myself today looking back at the videos of you when it was just Mommy, Daddy and you. You're first uncoordinated steps, at our first home together, your smile and your baby voice. So much growing up has happened in these almost six years. Things have flown by too fast. Now here we are, you're a Kindergartener with two younger brothers and a dog that you seem to enjoy being mischievous with, ready to begin playing soccer, eager to read, write, and learn. Goodness, we will close our eyes, open them and you will have children of your own.

My son, there are many things I have taught you and things you've naturally inherited of mine - things I love to see and things that remind me that you're mine. Your smile, the need to be pressed and ironed, your overdramatic "injuries or illness", your laughter, your curiosity and your stubbornness.. It's going to keep you in trouble - try to not be as hard headed as I have been. Turn the other cheek, brush the chip off your shoulder, and above all - don't let your determination to be right ruin your ability to learn from others. 

I will say, I should've seen your attitude and arrogance coming (all I needed to do was look in the mirror) but when I look at you I still see my little baby with his chubby cheeks, thunder thighs, blonde hair and I hear your voice.. The voice that first spoke "Da Da".

https://youtu.be/ZQbnr5Od53Y

It's amazing what you see when your eyes are closed. The places you will go, the people you will meet, the love you will share with others.. The knowledge you have and will absorb. Always be humble. Do not be heartless. Envelop others, learn, teach, and share your happiness. Close your eyes Noah. Listen to the world, hear the earth breathe, taste life, and do not give up.

I Love you with my all of my soul. Thank you for teaching me the things I don't know and for giving me the best title in the world, better than any other.. 

Daddy.