As of tomorrow morning, an entire decade will have gone by since I became a father for the first time. Our first born and the child affectionately known as “the boy” is 10 years old. I can’t even believe it as I type it. There is so much water under the bridge of the past 10 years. In many ways, we have grown up together over that time period. He’s taught me more about myself then I ever imagined. He’s taught me about the relationship we share with our Heavenly Father. He’s taught me about grace, forgiveness and a crazy love for another human being. It’s been an awesome ride.
I will be honest and admit I don’t have a clue what I’m doing as a Father. We’re learning as we go. I’m hoping that something, somewhere that I am trying to teach him sticks. Maybe the pitfalls I found in my personal journey will be teaching moments so he avoids the same mistakes. Maybe he’ll fulfill the prophecy in the words I’ve sung since I found out we were having a boy…
“If I have just one wish, only one demand.
I hope he’s not like me. I hope he understands
that he can take this life and hold it by the hand
and he can greet the world
with Arms Wide Open…” -Creed
To my son, I wrote the note below to you long ago. Little did I know how the words would echo through the years. Happy Birthday Son. Thank you for giving me a gift I can never give back to you.
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.
