A Birthday Letter to My Oldest Son .......................1/16/12

That's my son, when younger, tweaking my nose. (Kidding.)

      Well, no one screamed when I added to the scariness of the day by presenting
photos of myself on Friday the 13th. That's good. After this post, I have a bunch of work to do. I may be busy this afternoon, I'll find out, hopefully soon. Today is a special day. The following I dedicate to my oldest son, Pablo Jr. (He's actually the sixth, I'm the fifth.)

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       Dear Pablo,
Thanks for the gift you've been for your mom and me. Upon your birth, you were a major turning point in my life. I'm no longer am the person I was before your arrival.

       I'm continue to grow as a man, father and human, because of you.  I've laughed more, I've cried more (good tears) and have been moved more than ever imagined, by being your father.  Thank you, for the special gift God and your mother gave me more than twenty years ago, on this day.

        Thanks for your patience. I'm grateful for your forbearance, and your understanding  nature towards me, your kooky dad. On that day you entered into this world and were placed on your mother's tummy, I was a social aborigine. The gift you were did not come with a set of instructions.

       You were the guinea pig from which I've learned many valuable lessons, at your expense as I ventured forth as your dad.  I learned, mature adults do not create children.  Children create mature adults. You've been an amazing instructor; I continue to learn from you.

        You've taught me that listening to another---you--being available to another (you),  is more important than watching TV or talking to a friend on the phone.  Lessons about seeing things from another person's perspective, you instructed. You taught me that you learned more from me by observing how I lived, related with others and spoke, and not by lectures.

        I did many things wrong as a father, while you were growing up; I'm sad about my mistakes.  I'm grateful you've forgiven me.  I'm glad I've learned that an admission of error is a sign of strength rather than weakness; my conscience is cleaner too, I've learned, after making amends.

        No father can be prouder of a son, than I am of you.  I admire your tenaciousness and perseverance of character, when attempting a goal.  I'm humbled by your practical common sense and have grown when heeding your wisdom.  I've learned from your skills in relating with others.

       Being your father extruded me to places of growth I never imagined. Thank you, for the journey of being your dad.  I'm proud of you.   Remember, son, it's not what you do---and you've accomplished more than most who are 20 years older than you---that makes me proud.  More important is your character. My hope is to become more like you.  

       Really. 

       Most importantly, I've experienced unconditional love from you. Even when I've blown it.  I'm humbled being a part of your family. 

        This day I bring you a gift.  But do you see what I'm really saying?  In reality, this day gave me a gift greater than I ever imagined!  Thank you, Pablo, for being you. You are a major reason why I'm a grateful and happy man.

       And now, you are a man, more than my equal.  Most importantly, you are my friend.  That is the greatest gift of all.  With my deepest love,