--- 8 Years ---
Dear Son,
On this day, eight years ago, you changed my life forever.
Today, as your mother and I celebrate your eighth birthday, it's hard not to take notice of the person you're becoming, most notably, the personality that is forming.
Ace, you're super cool, bro. You really are.
At this point in your life - and I hope you continue with this - you have an innate ability to find a sense of security in your interests, yet still be driven by your empathy.
For me, you turning eight on this day is represented by something that happened this weekend. We were attending a quinceañera for your cousin. At the reception, you discovered a Shirley Temple drink, and you liked it. A rarity since your palette for food and drink is well...very selective.
You enjoyed temples all night. Confidently walking up to this open bar among adults, waiting in line, hoisting yourself to the ledge, and asking for your drink.
At the end of the night, after finishing your third drink, as we were leaving, you asked if you could go to the bar one more time. Oh boy, what kind of human are we raising?! We obliged that you make it quick. We watched you walk up and say something to the bartender. Suddenly, the woman behind the bar grabbed a notepad and began writing and asking you questions.
"Is he asking for her number!!" one person quipped.
You reached your arm out to give her a fist bump, and she reciprocated your fist bump, accompanied by a smile. You put the piece of paper in your pocket, hopped off the foot ledge that lifted you above the bar top, and walked back toward us.
"Ace, what did you ask her?"
"I asked her to write down how to make the drink she's been making for me."
Then you added after a pause...
"What's grenadine?"
It's a small thing. A small memory. Yet, so Ace. So you. Your curiosity for the world. Your empathy and gratitude for those you share it with. And most importantly, your gravity towards them, no matter how peculiar, is admirable.
At eight years old, it remains your core, and I really, really, really hope that never changes.
Keep being you, kid. Stay Ace.
Happy Birthday!
Love, Dad