My First Father's Day

In honor of my first father's day, a letter to my son who is, like me, waiting for the Korean government to give us the word to come get him.

Dear Miles,

We are not flesh and blood. However, we are both the beneficiaries of the best of coincidences. No, that's not even correct. You saved me, Miles. At this point of my life, I was questioning my trust in fate. You being placed into our family re-affirmed my beliefs. You kept my hope alive that there is something out there. You may not be solid enough proof for anyone else, but for me, you and your placement in my life- keeps my hope alive that there are unseen forces at work entrusting us with duties to appreciate and choices to make. You are a blessing for me, Miles. You complete a family years in the making- and for me, you are the answer to questions fired into the universe. I hope that I do my part to help you become a great man- just like my dad did for me. I want to lead you by example and service. I want to teach you with calm, cool, but high expectations. I will love you unconditionally.

I cannot wait for you to be here. I want as long to carry you around before you get legs and an itch to move and run. I apologize for the amount that I will spoil you at first. I promise not enough to forever turn you into a brat. You deserve me to be a better parent than that. I just want to make up for lost time.

You, son, are quickly taking over my whole day without being here. I want so very much to be the greatest father for you, because I will want you to be as lucky as I am with my life. I have had the ability to do exactly what I have wanted to do with my life. I have had the best relationships a man can ask for. I can't wait for you to meet our family- your Lolo, Lola, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles, Great Grandmother. The amount of people over here ready to love and care for you with all their hearts always overwhelms me to point of tears. Past our flesh and blood relatives, I can't wait for you to meet the other family that your mother and I have come to know over the years. The love that I share with those people should provide you with the perfect example of how although not flesh and blood- real family also exists in the amount of care and concerned shared in a lifetime.

Son, in the end, I will know that I have done well if you have a life passion that you follow to your heart's content. I wait with bated breath to get starting helping you grow. I cannot wait to celebrate your successes (large and small). I can't wait to help you correct your mistakes. I even can't wait to clean up any gross mess that you will make. You, son, are a life event for me. I love you.