Ode to My Son, David!

What Do I Owe to my Son, David?

I owe him the chance to, as a young man, become a Daddy! The chance to take my Son into the Desert and teach him appreciation for Nature! The chance to, as my Dad did for me, teach him to Love Fishing, Camping, Hunting, Children.....

I owe him the opportunity to re-live so many of the same mistakes I made, as a Man his age, the silly, inane, idealistic "jobs" offered, the so-called "friends" waiting to pounce on their new victim, the maturing process, learning the Truth of Life.....

I owe him the Pride I had when I finally knew all the answers and the anguish each time I realized I was wrong.......

David, age 4, once approached me while I still slept, loaded pistol in hand (found under the seat of my truck!) and proclaimed "Dad! I can't make it work!" ...I owe him my sense of caution!

David, age 17, taught me the satisfaction of my teachings as to firearm safety, as he deftly handled a rifle, in the early days of our reunion, after a 6 year gap.....

David also taught me the Art of Perserverance.....though his first attempt at Marriage was some-what disasterous, he got back on his feet and gave it the "Old College Try" yet again!

That be a Lesson I wish I hadn't slept through!

David gave it another shot and even invited Me to be in the Wedding Party, as co-Best Man! This was a Great Honor but I somewhat failed in the Task! Blame Women on that one! Where is it written that a Man, any Man, is Born with the natural knowledge of the nuances of such affairs as a Wedding?

How was I to know that the "Best Man" was expected to "Give a Speech"?

Still, David Married Kim, Raised Her Son, Travis & Their Son, Brandon.....has done an admirable job of it, too!

And now, David is hitting 36 years old!

Congratulations, My Son!

In the sense of your being a quiet Man, one who rarely communicates, one who keeps his feelings to himself, you turned out just like me.....whether this is Good or Bad remains to be seen!

Love You, Son, whever you be!

Happy Birthday!

Pops!