As I posted last week, my daughter celebrated her 21st birthday on September 2.
Well, yesterday my son Riley turned 18.
Twenty-one and 18 . . . two major milestones.
Anyway, as some of you know I was in the early days unsure about my ability to be a father to a son. I knew I would do well with a daughter, but for a variety of reasons I did not have confidence when we found out that we would be having a little boy.
Eighteen years in, I can’t imagine it any other way. I worked on those fears and soon after Riley invaded our world, I realized that this relationship was just the kind of gift I needed.
While I haven’t taught him to fish, hunt, or chew tobacco, nevertheless we’ve done well together. Here are the top five things about having a son:
1. Sports & Memory. When I was six or seven, I’d cry whenever the SMU Mustangs or Dallas Cowboys lost a football game. Riley did the same thing at the same age, only with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the University of Miami Hurricanes. What is it about little boys that they invest such emotion in heroes, athletes, and teams? I don’t know the answer . . . but I do believe their focus and loyalty has something to teach us.
2. Music. What a progression. He fell asleep in my arms at a Jars of Clay concert when he was four. Then I took him to a Hanson show when he was five. Soon I introduced him to Led Zeppelin . . . and he liked it. We saw the Rolling Stones together when he was 13 — the first event ever at what was then called Bobcats Arena. And now? I watch him and his band in some of the shows they play around the area.
3. Juvenile Humor. I think most middle-age men still find the things they laughed about in high school to be funny. We’re just wound too tightly to admit it. Living and laughing with a high schooler loosens me up.
4. When They Need Us. Car wrecks. College advice. Questions of faith. Even teenage boys have times when the veneer drops and they really do need their parents.
5. My son’s a beast. That’s a good thing, by the way. It’s what they say in the gym or on the football field about people who are really strong. And he is.
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Hanson to Led Zeppelin. Now that is a quantum leap.
Mine is now 24…
1.yes
2.rocked him and sang “Stairway to Heaven” to lull him to sleep at all hours of the night… his first acknowledgement of music…hugging the stereo speaker as the Byrds’ sang “Turn,turn,turn.”
3.His Grandpa..”Pull my finger…”
4.Yes, Yes, and Yes.
5. Mailing the last check to the orthodontist the day before his first game at the Charlotte Rugby Club. And yes…he’s amazingly beastly
…and I Thank and Praise God for him each day!
Fourteen years of marriage passed by, before being totally blessed with our first our child.
Two and a half years after her birth, we began to discuss and pray for guidance of adding another child to our family.
A very short time had passed, after entertaining the idea when my morning devotion pointed me to Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10
I am now blessed beyond measure with two beautiful little girls that dress me in pink bows, hat’s and scarfs. I will not have a son to share the great natures of natures of life. But, I will never forget my father teaching me. I wrote my dad a poem a few years back that I thought I would share.
Just before dawn
as we walk side by side
Shotguns in hand as we
rush to beat days light
Into the woods
so quiet and still
We always made our way
to the top of the hill
Not making a move
as my heart pounds fast
I look down the barrel
and fire a blast
I jump to excitement
my dad smiles with pride
For he’s the one that taught me
the great natures of life
Returning from the hunt
Grandma awaits
with a big breakfast table
perfected to taste
As we waved goodbye
and made the turn
The old weathered barn
would long our return
The week went by
so long and so slow
But the weekend was near
and I was ready to go
Returning to nature
I couldn’t wait
For it was all at grandmas
on Brady Creek
I’m so very thankful for the man that I call dad. I was truly blessed as a boy and young man growing up in his home.
May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry Talbot.
Matt
Thanks, Matt!