This will post at exactly 9:30 pm on September 2nd. This is the exact time you came to us exactly 1 year ago, my little boy. I knew my life would change the day we realized we were having you. All the planning and details were all for naught, because you came early. So small. So pure. So beautiful. Hearing you cry was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. I’ve watched you grow. I’ve watched your personality emerge. You are such a wonderful blend of your mother and myself.  You are the most perfect child for your mother and I. Being your father is the greatest joy I have ever known.

I can only hope that I can teach all the things you need to know. I can only show you the way. I can’t hold your hand forever. One day (and that day will come sooner than later) you won’t need me. You will have hopefully forged your own path. I can’t tell you what to do or where to go, but I can surely help you in what not to do. Sometimes while holding you I wonder if I will ever truly be ready. You are so amazing even now. I can’t wait for all the things that are to come. I hope I’ve changed enough as a man. Your mother has made all of this possible. Your mother is the most amazing woman in the world. You will see that as you get older. She was made especially for you. She saved me from myself. I was at a point in my life were being a husband was the farthest thing from my mind. Being a father seemed less attainable. She showed me all the love, patience and sacrifice that she will show you. She loves you so much.

Your family is filled with amazing people. Your soon to be friends are just as incredible. We will try and surround you with people that will make a difference in your life. People that will love you, that will help you when you need it and even when you don’t. They will also protect you and shelter you when you need it. We named you after your great great grandfather on your nana’s side. You are the last namesake of our family. Your Poppa has waited for you for a long time. At some point we will tell you about the brother you have. He isn’t here, but he is in our hearts. We lost him a long time before you arrived. He makes you even more special. I know there is some of him with you. That brings me to my next point.

The last thing I want to tell you about is God. Specifically, how he will always be with you. You will never be alone. Never be forgotten. He gave you to us. He knew you before we did. He placed you in your mother’s womb to be a gift to us. We will try to and be examples of goodness, virtue and try to be the moral compass that you will need to handle this world. We can only do this with God. All things are possible with him. Not everything will be easy, but it’s a much easier life to maneuver in with him carrying you.

I love you with every part of me. Your mother does as well. We will always show you that. We aren’t perfect. We never will be, but we will always love you.

Your Dad