Thank you for first having and then helping me raise three such wonderful kids. The experience has transformed me from a selfish scrawny dude into a selfish proud father. I am in awe of what we have done together. I present Exhibit A:
I never thought when I met you that someday far in the future we would be standing side by side when I took this picture, and that just looking at it would fill me with such pride in our children. When I met you, I knew I wanted to be with you every day and make a life together with you. I just didn't know how splendid it would turn out. They aren't just handsome kids that smiled for this picture and returned to being brats. On the contrary, they are kind and thoughtful people that have the respect of others. They regularly impress our friends of all ages so much that they tell us what wonderful kids they are. We have done so well. I am proud beyond words.
When Jessamy graduated I was in awe of the spectacle. It was so grand, and something that I never experienced. I was so proud of my little girl who has grown into a young woman now. She's really her own woman. Since I am so bad at predicting the future (see above) I can't imagine how wonderful her life will be, though I'm sure it will be some amount of wonderful.
In a few weeks, Andy will leave the house for college himself. It will be his first time living away from home and I know he's looking forward to it, mostly for the freedom it will bring. I predict (see above) that his move out will be permanent. He's a responsible and capable young man. He'll call on us for support, but he'll get it done himself.
Danny (who fell out of his crib and broke his arm what seems like just a few months ago) embarks on his own odyssey of high school in a couple of months. Holy crap! I'm sure he'll do fine, finally realizing that he actually does need to finish most of the homework.
Wow, just wow.
