On December 29, 2000 my life was changed forever because it was on that day that I became a father for the first time.
In what could only be deemed foreshadowing the little man showed up 2.5 weeks prior to his due date. His grandmother insists that I was born almost four weeks after my due date so maybe there is something to be said for his taking after me, we do things in our time.
Initially I hadn't planned on blogging about this, not because it was unimportant but because I couldn't decide what I wanted to say so I was going to opt out of saying anything and write about other things. Sometimes I find myself speechless and I learned a long time ago that in those moments sometimes the better part of valor is silence.
About 25 minutes ago he wandered out of bed and climbed into my lap. "Tomorrow is my birthday," he said. I smiled and picked him up in my arms. For a moment we danced around to Matisyahu (King Without a Crown- I love that tune) and enjoyed the moment. I told him that I loved him and told him about how when he was a baby I would take him in my arms and dance to whatever was playing.
He smiled and asked me if I would still do that when he was five. I said sure and then he wanted to know if I could do it when he was ten. I told him that I wasn't sure he would want me to do it then but we had time to worry about it. He smiled and told me that I should plan on it.
I carried him to bed and gave him another hug and a kiss. With great care I lowered him into bed and gave him one last blessing as a four-year-old. He was almost asleep before I could finish. I was happy that it was dark because I unexpectedly got a little choked up in there.
My baby boy is not a baby anymore. He is not a toddler, he is a little boy. We have a long way to go before he becomes a man and goes out into the world but for a moment I could have sworn that he looked more like a man than a boy.
9 comments:
Really nice post, Jack.
Your son might no longer be deemed *a* baby but he'll always be *your* baby while at the same your "bechor" (firstborn).
Enjoy and savor it Jack...I blinked my eyes and my little boys became 19 and 16.
Hi TP and CM,
Thank you.
My little guy is only 4 1/2 months old, but I dance with him to whatever is playing and hope he will still enjoy that when he is 5.
Thanks
Chanuka Sameach
#4's 7th birthday was yesterday. Of my 5, I think he's the one who idolizes me the most.
I do lots of stuff with him but the dancing is what I do with my 4 yo daughter.
Time goes by so fast. Still remember the ibs-group days?? good time we had there ;)
Evan and I still dance and I have to admit, even though he's nearly 13 and taller than me, there are times I just wish I could cradle him in my arms one more time and kiss his whole face.
Jerusalemcop,
I am sure he will. Time goes so quickly.
David,
I dance with my daughter too. It is a little different than with my son, but both are special.
Hi Callie,
Zeruel,
Time moves far too quickly.
Z,
Fortunately I have a few years before the big boy is bigger than I. I can imagine that at times it must be hard.
Hi Donna,
Thanks
Very sweet. You sound like a great dad.
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