My Son Turned 8 Today, And Man Time Really Does Fly

It always sounded like one of those somewhat empty cliches, how "time flies by" as your kids are growing up.  Nope, I get it, it is actually very true.  My son turned eight today. 

I don't quite know how that happened.  It seems like only a couple years back we were counting down the days until he was going to be born.  I remember very clearly the drive to the hospital, the incredibly overwhelming joy as he was born, and the amazing sense of wonder holding him for the first time.

In subsequent years, I remember watching him learn to speak, laugh, and watch him develop his incredible skills in observing his surroundings.  This kid doesn't miss much, and that's always been the case.  He picks up nuance in what you say (which can be both a blessing and a curse), has a near photographic memory, and can memorize stats like nobody else.

More than that though, this is an only-child who has proven to be resilient through a couple moves across the country, a divorce, and continues to be the first to volunteer to share, and a kiddo who is naturally wired to want people to be happy.  It bothers him when others are sad - always has - and he does what he can to make brighter days.

That isn't to say there challenges and areas for growth, there definitely are, but on this day I am so grateful that God blessed me with the chance to be his Dad.  Every time he calls me Dad, I just can't believe how fortunate I am to call him son.

We were in Seattle this past weekend to celebrate his birthday, mine, and my mom's together.  I have a great family and, for that, I'm so grateful.