B-day
It’s time to break a “ruleâ€. It’s not an Even Day, but it is Son 1’s birthday. 19 years ago today I almost missed it because at 9:00 AM in the birthing room I told wife the car needed to be moved. She threatened me. I stayed. And Son 1 was born at 9:06.
One thing great about being a parent, besides the new relationship with a significant person, is that life becomes more REAL as specific moments in time are engraved on your mind. When Wife announced for sure, over the phone, that she was pregnant… When Wife woke me up, after two hours of contractions, to say Son 1 was on the way… When Son 1 came into the world and we washed that stuff off… And those are only the memories from the very first.
Son 1 leaves on October 8 where he will follow a year-long spiritual internship in Marseille before beginning university back here in Lausanne. It’s been his dream for about 7 years… He’s been saving and praying for it all this time, and it’s almost here. Almost time to leave.
Several of you know what that’s like, seeing the first one go. I imagine it will be another memory etched in my consciousness, accompanied by a feelings of pride, thankfulness and, I have no doubt, some tears.
evendays
September 29, 2005@ 6:35 pm
We know those days are coming and, hopefully, we do our best to prepare not only our children but ourselves for the inevitable. But when the day actually arrives, we are seldom ready for the overwhelming emotional impact on many levels.
If nothing else, guys are normally task oriented and we realize our task is done. Now begins relationship in a different context and that’s unnerving to us.
With Son 1 wanting to spend a year in spiritual maturity prior to college, you have a LOT for which to thank God and the tears will have a bit of sweetness to them!
September 29, 2005@ 7:08 pm
Absolutely Greg. I’m thinking of a friend of ours who has a son who is a gifted athlete. He will no doubt get a college scholarship either in football or baseball. And yet it’s bittersweet for his father because he hasn’t shown any interest in God, church, or our youth group for years. To have a son who is spiritually minded will make that “day” a little less painful. He may be leaving your home soon but at least he isn’t leaving his God. Good job Dad.
September 29, 2005@ 11:05 pm
I’m glad you didn’t decide to name your blog “Even Years”!
September 30, 2005@ 3:23 am
It certainly goes by quicker than we thought or would have liked.