John Patrick, my oldest son, turns 6 tomorrow. Emotionally, I'm kind of a mess. I feel happy, sad, nostalgic, proud and very, very blessed to have him in my life.
It goes without saying that I never knew 6 years could pass by so quickly. Plus, as Jude noted earlier tonight after the boys were in bed, time is going to continue to speed up. It sure isn't slowing down anytime soon.
J.P. and I went to the Predators-Sabres game tonight. 4 goals by the Predators in the 1st period, including Shea Weber's 19th of the season had J.P. standing and cheering. He loves the Predators, which is great, because Jude and I do, too.
One of the big differences, for me, as I watch Joe (at 2) and J.P. (at almost 6) grow up is that every day with J.P. is uncharted territory. In other words, J.P. has already been as old as Joe is, every day that passes, so I've already seen J.P. at the age Joe is, every day. Joe is his own guy, for sure, but I'm a little more secure with Joe, having been through everything once already with J.P. To the contrary, every day with J.P. is a new adventure into uncharted territory.
There's so much I love about J.P.
His love of music, which is something we share. Just today, as I drove him to school, I played him a new Drive-by Truckers' song, "Primer Coat." As he listened to the song for the first time, he did what he always does when he likes a song he hasn't hear before - he got quiet, looked out the window and just listened intently. When the song was nearing the end, he said, "beginning, please, daddy." And I played "Primer Coat" again. On the way home from the Predators' game tonight, he told me it was his favorite song of all time.
His love of sports, which is something else we share. As I've mentioned in this space before, right about the time he turned 5, the sports light bulb went off for J.P. Suddenly, if there was a ball involved, he wanted to watch or play a sport. Baseball, basketball, soccer, football, hockey, tennis, racquetball, etc.
His kindness. Several parents at Children's House have remarked to me how kind J.P.'s been to their children, all of whom are younger than J.P.
Watching him with his brother. J.P. could not be a better big brother to Joe. He's so patient, loving and gentle with Joe. He plays with Joe, teaches him words and comforts him when he's upset. In the mornings, they watch TV together, "Thomas the Train" or "Daniel Tiger." It's so sweet to watch them snuggled together in our bed, watching TV. That, in and of itself, is why Jude and I wanted J.P. to have a sibling. I hope J.P. and Joe are always that close and I think they will be.
His intelligence. J.P. is, and always has been, so smart and inquisitive. His mind is like a sponge, absorbing more and more information every day. He loves to read, to draw and to talk about what he's learned at school. Lately, he's talked a lot about different presidents, from George Washington to Ronald Reagan and in between.
It's just so hard to believe. J.P. will be 6 tomorrow. Kindergarten is just around the corner. And just yesterday, or so it seems, I clutched him nervously, all bundled up in my arms, and followed a nurse down the hall from the operating room to the nursery. Careful step after careful step, afraid I might trip and fall at any moment.
J.P., I love you and I'm proud of you, more so every day. Someday, when you have a child of your own, you'll understand how much pride I take in watching you grow up every day. My firstborn son. My #1 guy.
Happy birthday.
No comments:
Post a Comment