Dear Friends,
Today is Liam’s 16th birthday. I’m still very proud to be his dad, as I mentioned one year ago today. In the past year, the one we used to call “Baby Man” has grown up a lot. It’s been very fun to watch.
For one thing, the kid is such a natural musician that it makes me a little jealous. He’s got talent for days and I am so excited to see and hear what he can do. Last week, for example, I asked him to figure out a bass line for me and he knocked it out so much faster than I could have done. He has a natural ear for notes that I will never have.
It has been so fun playing music with him this year, too. We are going out to play Skatercon in Lake Forest next month. I think I am most excited about it to get to be a part of his first “out of town” show. The way that Trent and Shane have embraced him, as well as all my other musical brothers and sisters is great, too. Makes a dad proud and happy.
Like last year, he doesn’t seem particularly jazzed about his big day. We’re going to breakfast this morning and then to go visit Granny, then we’ll hit up Mr. Q’s birthday party, too. The Q man and Liam were not born on the same day, but it’s pretty close. I love that Liam is happy to go to this party, too.
Afterwards, I’m running over to a memorial for my friend, Patrick. I wrote about his death back in May, but he’s been on my mind a lot lately. I kind of like that we’ll be celebrating birthdays and a lost friend on the same day. For some reason, it balances things out in my soul a little bit.
After that, Liam and I will find something to do unless he decides to do something with his friends. Maybe he will and maybe we’ll go see a movie or something. Teresa is going to another birthday party, so it’s just one of those days, I suppose.
It’s hard to fathom that my youngest child is starting his 17th year. Next year, he’ll be a senior in high school and then Rhondi and I will have no children under 18. There was a time when I thought it would never be like this and now we are on the precipice of it. Somehow I don’t think we’ll be empty nesters any time soon, though, and that’s fine. I love having the kids close by.
*****
I was surprised yesterday by Jonathan’s death in The Bet. I didn’t see that coming, but it just made sense in that moment. What role did Aidan/Jimmy play in it? We’ll have to see about that tomorrow.
Happy birthday, again, kiddo. I love you.
See you tomorrow.
Our last night in Maine a few weeks back.
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