For Kyle At 21

Let me start out by apologizing in advance. This post is not only going to be one of my lesser efforts, it isn’t anything close to what I wanted for you on this momentous day. I’m sorry I couldn’t offer you better.

kyle 21 1Originally I had planned on flying out to Spokane to see you and take you out to a bar this evening. It wouldn’t have been a big deal, but I had hoped to be able to take you out for your first (legal) beer. Sadly, finances and circumstances have prevented this.

So here I am, trying to come up with words that convey how I feel about this day. I can’t tell you inn person how much you mean to me. I can (and will) call, but that’s not the same. Here I can attempt to put some thought into what I want to tell you, but even this is falling short of what I want. This has much more to do with me than you.

There really isn’t any shortage of what to say to you, about you, for you.

Your history is rich and deep enough I swear it should be turned into a book. You have overcome so much and gotten so far in your short life. You should be proud of where you are and what you have done.

Yes, you have failed at certain things, we all do. This is part of life. Learning from your mistakes is also part of life, and one of the things you have trouble with. You are, however, getting better at it.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI know that when we talk on the phone and I tell you these things, like “be safe” or “tell your landlord if you’re going to be late on the rent” it comes across as nagging, and sure, it probably is to a certain extent. It’s just that I actually care and want you to succeed. I don’t have any great words of wisdom for you. I’ve already told you what you need to hear, it’s just a matter of them sinking in.

I love you. I miss you. I am glad to be your father and I’m here for you.

You’re 21 now. It’s a heck of a milestone. You may legally be an adult, all grown up, but you’ll always be my son.