When I wrote my blog about
Melissa yesterday I didn’t pay attention to the date (as I get older those things have less importance). It so happens that
today – one day after commiserating about my only daughter – we celebrate the birth of our eldest
son. What better day to remember a
little about the wonderful young man that our Josh was and has become.
As the first male child, Josh
took the brunt of my ‘practice’ in learning to raise boys. Of course, we played a lot of ball (he loved anything round) and did
many ‘boy’ things but he also had to endure some of my own growing up – including
some unreasonable expectations. I am
forever grateful that he was patient enough to realize that dad wasn’t perfect
but could still be a fun addition to life.
In many ways, fathers live
through their sons. Not necessarily in
terms of getting them to do what they couldn’t but more in hoping that they
will be better. In this desire, I was
most pleasantly rewarded. Josh is many
things I could never be and has conquered spectacular mountains in his thirty-three
years. Today he continues to be amazing
and it is with pride (unrighteous or righteous,
you pick) that I call him my son.
And like his sister, Josh has
chosen well in a mate. Heather
complements our boy in so many ways – it’s almost like we got to choose her
ourselves (you know, that old arranged
marriage thing).
Together they have created a family that makes us happy and gives us
great hope for the future of the world and our family in particular.
Maybe it’s because I am male, but
when Josh left home, there was much less angst in our home and for me
personally. I suppose part of the reason
is because I know how his circumstances feel (and
I didn’t for Melissa). But I also think that there is a protective
nature with girls that isn’t as prevalent with boys. But the love is just as abundant and I will
forever be grateful for the fine son who came to lead the boys of our family in
righteousness.
Happy Birthday Josh –
from your loving father and mother.
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