Nine. My son just turned nine. Wow… and yikes! I shudder with sadness at thoughts of how much he will continue to grow and change. I don’t dread the future because of the different challenges it will present. I dread it because that will mean my son will no longer be the sweet young boy he is today. While he is just one year from having two digits for his age, Matthew still has much of the innocence that only a young child can have. Oh, but for how much longer will I enjoy that?
Matthew reminds me so much of myself when I was his age. He is kindhearted, gentle, polite, agreeable, analytical, imaginative, and never suffers from boredom. Matthew has a positive and pragmatic outlook on life and the future. He loves being at home with his family but always has a fun time with his friends. He enjoys school and academic challenges and while not naturally gifted in any particular sport, he is willing to work to improve for his own personal achievement. My siblings even confirm that my son and I share many similar physical characteristics and personality traits at his age.
We do have different experiences however. I didn't have the affectionate relationship with my dad as Matthew has with me. I never snuggled with my dad nor did I learn to play any sports from him except if you consider reading the horse racing pages of the newspaper a sport. I didn't get long winded life lessons nor zany attempts at humor that Matthew is subjected to. My dad was a very reserved and stern man. While I can’t turn back the hands of time, I know I can maximize the chance I have now. The days of Matthew’s childhood are going fast and I am determined to enjoy as much of them as I can.
Happy birthday to the most wonderful son this Daddy could ever ask for.
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