Arms Wide Open

Although “the boy’s” birthday was Tuesday, we officially wrap up the festivities tomorrow. First off, the Hansbrough Pacer’s jersey was a huge hit. He hasn’t worn it yet but I think he’s afraid to mess it up. It will work nicely for our floor seats on Opening night in Indianapolis. Although it could be a total buzz kill if Hansbrough is still nursing his bad shin and doesn’t play! After school on Tuesday the family celebrated his birthday at Red Robin. The celebration was short lived because he was off to play his final game of Fall Ball.

Tomorrow is his official party which includes me and a small group of his friends going to see “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” followed by some CiCi’s Pizza. We waited until tonight to make his cake so he can share it with his friends tomorrow. As you can see, I put on my “Cake Boss” hat and got to work. The original design was for a Pacers Jersey, but we didn’t have any navy blue icing. As luck would have it, we had Carolina Blue icing at the ready (imagine that). So we settled on a Hansbrough “throwback” jersey!

After wrapping up the cake decorating we made our way to the living room to trim up the mohawk (affectionally called “roadkill”) that was on his head. Family pictures are looming on Saturday and he needed a little touch up. I can’t change my own oil, fix a leaky faucet or tell you who won the war of 18-whatever, but if you need a cake or a hair cut…I’m your guy.

In the morning, our son will officially celebrate his 9th birthday. I can’t even type those words without wondering where the last 9 years went. I can’t seem to get my mind around how quickly it has flown by. What scares me even more is that when that time frame goes by again, he’ll be officially an “adult”. In honor of his birthday, I thought I would post this letter I wrote to him in March of 2005. The words still ring true today. To “the boy” I want to say Happy Birthday. Thank you for making the last 9 years of my life something I never knew I was missing and so much more. I love you son.

Because…..A Letter To My Son

Because you are my son
Because I am proud to be your father
Because I will never forget the day you were born
Because you are more beautiful than I could have imagined
Because you were “fearfully and wonderfully made”
Because I am your hero
Because someday, you will be mine
Because “I want to go with daddy”
Because you have taught me how our heavenly father loves His children.

Because you have my hands and feet
Because you have your mother’s eyes
Because you love your sisters and mother as much as I do
Because, no matter what, you always love me..
Because no matter what, I will always love you
Because you greet the world with “Arms Wide Open”
Because I can’t wait to watch you grow and learn
Because of stories at night and breakfast in the morning
Because you always remind us at dinner to “say our prayers”

Because I can protect you at times
Because there are times when I cannot protect you
Because we serve a God that watches during ALL of those times
Because the things of the past
Because the future to come.

I love you my precious son.

In just one week, “the boy” will officially turn 9 years old. It is beyond my understanding where the last 9 years went. They always say it goes too fast and “they” are right. This is such an awesome age for all three of our kids. Especially “the boy”. Not only did the apple not fall far from the tree, it generally doesn’t stray too far from there either. If you’ve ever noticed, he is usually right next to me whenever we go somewhere. It both thrills and scares me to death. Hopefully I’m “raising him up in the way he should go”. Along that thought here’s another one of “those songs” from Brad Paisley. It’s called “Anything Like Me”. Hang around for the last chorus. Don’t worry, it got me too…..

This clip convicted me today. Maybe convicted isn’t the right word. Whatever the word, I was reminded that three small children in our home are just starting out in the world of dreaming. Each day they are molding and shaping the targets that they will push and live to pursue. In a week or two they will begin school again where their dreams, futures and the possibilities will grow. As their Dad, my words can push wind into their sails or drop an anchor on their dream journey. I see it the most right now in “the boy”. That apple fell RIGHT BESIDE the tree. Lord give me the courage to inspire their dreams and the wisdom to guard my words.

Incredible video filled with wisdom and knowledge.

Now that the dust has cleared and the half marathon is but a memory, I have been reflecting on what was my favorite part of the entire experience. Honestly, there are so many great moments from Saturday, it is hard to pick just one. Meeting my wife at the finish line, having family here for the event, seeing friends along the course and accomplishing a goal are all pretty high on the list. There is one moment that I really believe was my favorite part of the day.

After making my way through the sea of people at the finish line, my son and one of my two daughters (the other was at a choir practice) met me for an embrace. I won’t soon forget that moment. While the picture above is not from Saturday, it was another one of “those moments” someone caught on film. As I held my son and daughter near, I simply said “we did it buddy…we did it”. You see I made a commitment several months ago to taking better care of myself for those that are counting on me. My favorite part was knowing I kept my promise.

The final 3 weeks of training, “The Boy” rode his bike next to me on some of my final runs. We had fun together and it made him a partner in the experience. If I had to pick one moment from Saturday, I would say that was my favorite part….

My Favorite Part by Matthew West

[audio http://leftfield8.com/audio/mwmy.mp3]