A memorable first birthday
I wanted to kick off this column by thanking those of you who wished our son Bryson a happy first birthday, which was last week. The little guy had an amazing birthday and it was made even more special thanks to the many well wishes he received from folks who apparently read my column in last week’s Messenger.
Bryson had a big “John Deere Tractor” celebration and the generosity from our family and friends was overwhelming, as he received so many awesome gifts that by the time we unloaded everything in our living room when we got home I was convinced that Christmas had come a little early this year. And as we sorted through the collection of toys, I couldn’t help but feel a little envious of our little guy, because they certainly didn’t have toys like these when I was his age.
(Seriously, it is amazing what modern technology has done for today’s toddler toys. Trucks that talk, gizmos that fire off lasers and sirens, stuffed bears that record voices, voice-activated vehicles, and toddler laptops that teach numbers and letters. Even a classic toy like the Red Rider wagon has been majorly upgraded, with bucket seats, seat belts and sippy cup holders. The more gifts I opened, the more I regretted being born and raised in the prehistoric and pre-technology 60’s and 70’s.)
As for the party itself, Bryson had a ball. Between the colorful balloons, the fun toys and the cake that he got to gleefully destroy with his little hands, I don’t think there was a time when he wasn’t smiling from ear to ear. And ditto for his parents.
But I have to tell you that as much fun as he had (and we had) on his birthday, there was a little sadness for me and Crystal and our family, because something was missing…or rather, someone.
It was difficult getting through that day without thinking of my Dad and without wishing that he could be there to celebrate his grandson’s birthday. It is hard to fathom that it has been almost 10 months since Dad passed away, and even though we miss him terribly every day it really hits us the hardest whenever our family celebrates a special occasion.
But there were a few factors that helped me get through that sadness on Bryson’s birthday. The first one was the memories that I will always cherish of the limited time that Dad and Bryson got to spend together. I will never forget those precious moments of my Dad being able to hold my son for the first time and telling him how much he loved him. I will never forget how peaceful and content Dad was as Bryson slept in his Poppy’s arms. And I will always remember how happy Dad was to participate in Bryson’s baptism and celebrate his first Christmas with him.
(We will always cherish the very special Christmas gift that he gave Bryson, a beautiful card that enabled Dad to record his voice and read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to him. And on the last page, he recorded a personal message to Bryson telling him how much he loved him, and that he would always be with him. That card is the most valuable possession we own.)
Another factor that helped us was the fact that we held the party at the First Presbyterian Church, where my Dad served as minister for many years. It was the perfect place to hold the party, because I could feel my Dad’s presence all throughout the event. I know it sounds like a cliché, but it really did feel as if Dad was right there with us, enjoying every moment.
Finally, the biggest thing that helped us get through the sadness was a precious present that we gave to Bryson. Thanks to the kindness and talents of a very special woman, we were able to give Bryson a wonderful teddy bear in which the entire outer fabric was made from one of Dad’s favorite dress shirts that was given to me from my Mom after he passed away. The soft, cuddly bear is one of Bryson’s favorite toys, and every time he holds it and squeezes it tight I cannot help but smile and shed tears of happiness, because I remember so vividly when Dad wore that shirt and held my son with all of his love.
Anyway, Bryson’s first birthday was a very special day for him, and most definitely for us, a day that we will always remember, and always cherish. And with that milestone now officially behind us, we can look forward to the next big event in his life, which is Halloween. (Actually, it’s the next big event in MY life, and I’m letting him share it with me. My wife doesn’t share the same excitement as I do about October 31, and if there is only one thing that I am able to pass on to my son, I sincerely hope that it’s my love for Halloween.)
For two people who have been married for more than 20 years, we surprisingly argue very little these days, but I have to admit that one of our bigger arguments has been what to dress Bryson as for Halloween. Crystal thinks he should wear a “cute” costume, like a spider or an elephant, or even, heaven forbid, Winnie the Pooh. I am against the cute costume idea, and I definitely don’t want him dressed as Pooh, a character that has always bothered me since I was a kid. (Seriously, the dude has a whiny, high-pitched voice and wears a shirt but no pants. What’s up with that? And don’t get me started on the name “Pooh.”)
I, however, thought it would be great to dress him up in one of my favorite costumes, such as Jason from “Friday the 13th” or Michael Myers from “Halloween.” Needless to say, my wife immediately shot those ideas down.
So, after much discussion, we agreed on a costume that I feel is a good compromise. And he will be wearing it when we go trick or treating, so if you see us out and about on Halloween, be sure to say hello to the little “Tigger,” oops, I mean tiger…