Abraham,
Today you and I walked through the tiny bird sanctuary near our house. It’s a favorite place for both of us. You like the ducks and dogs and squirrels. I like to watch the place change day by day, as the sun settles lower in the sky and the trees catch light before fading away to their dull winter colors.

There are mallards, coots and grebes hanging out in the pond now. The mallards are not at all frightened of people and let us hover a few feet away, watching them nibble at the pond grasses and algae. You have laser focus, studying every detail. Walking in the woods with me can be hard on some people; I am constantly stopping to investigate whatever catches my eye. And everything catches my eye. You are the perfect walking companion; you point to every interesting weed, scuttling creature, flickering bug and say, “A-da!” I think that means, “Look at that. Wow!” We stop, we investigate, we walk on in wonder.

A-da,
Pa-

And can be found at this link…

Rain, rain, let it rain
Wash away all sorrow and pain
Try, try, you must try,
Sometimes you crash, sometimes you cry
Shout, shout, let it out
Sing out fear, chase away doubt
Rain, rain, let it rain
Wash away all sorrow and pain

Abraham,
Today is your first birthday. I have nothing especially profound to say about the way time moves now, just that it does and I ride it as best I can. It’s been an amazing time in my life. Before you arrived your Uncle Steve told me that the child makes the man. Yes. And unmakes him from time to time as well. In the last year I have walked the hardest ground and the softest earth. You are a ray of light and everything is illuminated in your shine. And you’re just the coolest little dude too.

Today we went to the orchard and picked apples. There were lots of kids and dogs for you to study. For a long time you stood, clutching your Mom’s shirt. You stood so tall and free. I gently held your feet in the right position. We have long days ahead to help your feet, but you are ready to run and that will be the sweetest thing ever.

You got some cool books from folks, including a pop-up book about a square-dancing cat that tends to farm chores. You are intent on folding everyone’s heads. Momma got you a crazy fast top that spins so quickly that the colors blend and change before your eyes. You got clothes and two plastic tubes that bend into funny shapes and make a eerie whistling noise when spun overhead. You ask us to do this by shaking your pointed finger in a random back-and-forth-semi-circular pattern. This can also mean “Please juggle now,” “Look, a ceiling fan” or “Over-that-a-ways.” We know what you mean.

Happy birthday, my son.

pa-