Watching you grow in life is a blessing and a longing at the
same time. The blessings come from watching
each of you become responsible adults, making smart choices, and contributing
to the greater good of this world. The
longing is when we’re separated by miles, long car rides and airplane flights,
not being able to pull you in close and reassure you that everything is going
to be ok when the world comes crashing in around you.
Over the years, I’ve seen you handle sorrow with grace and
pain with dignity. I’ve watched from
afar as you’ve tackled tough decisions and made the best of your circumstances. Each of you have expressed yourself from
different platforms and pulpits, but always with a heart of fairness and
equality.
To Scooterbutt, you have been a beacon of light in so many
storms. Wearing your heart on your
sleeve, you always find positives in the dark and rays of sunshine amongst the
clouds. Your strength amazing me, but your
determination to find the good amongst the evil sets you apart. You are the rock of the family foundation.
To Jaybird, you are driven like no other. You set your mind to do something, then let
absolutely nothing get in the way of your goals. You take life as it is; putting no behavioral
expectations on anyone other than yourself.
You are loyal to a fault, and care for your own family with a
warrior-like mentality.
To Gus, you embrace change.
You have always lived life on your own terms, but always with a respect
for those around you. You refuse to
allow anyone to define you, yet you listen to other’s opinions and adapt to
better yourself where it feels right to do so.
You are innocently unaware of your talents, but they are there and you
will discover them during the right moments in your life.
To Mater, you are as independent as the day is long. Even though you shy away from showing it, you have
a heart of gold and a capacity to love far beyond measure. You have a fiery passion that burns inside of
you, seeking justice and truth for man and animal alike. You are only now beginning to discover all
the gifts you have, and your appetite for life will take you far.
No one ever said life was going to be fair. The amazing thing is that no matter what each
of you have had to deal with, you’ve never faltered in your belief that you
couldn’t overcome it, learn from it, and continue to grow despite it.
I don’t really feel that I have a right to call you MY
children, because in fact you’ve always been God’s creation lent to me to
raise. What a gift each of you are to
me. To say I’m proud to be a part of
your life is an understatement of great proportions. Each of you are on you own now, but trust me
when I tell you that you are just beginning to fly. Soon enough you will soar in your own
patterns and paths, hopefully crossing each other along the way.
A Common Dad
