You entered our world in the wee hours of a Monday morning in June, almost initiating your daddy into the first-time parent club on Father’s Day. He carried a new copy of Fatherhood into the delivery room, not realizing you’d arrive before he had a chance to read any of it.

We’d spent the day honoring our own dads—the soon-to-be grandfathers—and a grandmother who celebrated her birth on the day before yours, eating an after-church lunch marked by laughter and spilled drinks. I still remember that.

You remained an only child for five years, the oldest of a clan that would expand to eight children, four boys and four girls. You were fearless; an accident waiting for a place to happen; a lover of baseball, skateboards, and Warheads candy; a peacemaker, like me.

You were always quick with a hug and an I love you; the world hungers for people unafraid to offer such gifts.

We spent tonight at a rehearsal dinner with your new extended family: aunts and uncles, grandparents, a brother, father, and mother, welcoming you to join them just as our family welcomes your new bride into our brood. Your daddy and your soon-to-be father-in-law made me cry as they praised your loyalty and kindness.

Son, you are sweet.

I am so proud of you and I can’t wait to watch you become a husband tomorrow.

Love,
Mom