A Lucky Man

I want to adequately describe the man whose birthday arrives today.  He came into our lives a few years ago when my daughter called and reported that she had a new boyfriend.  Both my wife and I remarked that she sounded really different when reporting this event.

Birthday Boy

We met the young man shortly thereafter and understood the difference.  She’d found her soul mate.  Any father is going to wonder when their daughter takes up with a rock and roll star but that concern lasted five minutes after meeting him.  He’s one of the finest young people I’ve ever met.

A Recent Visit

In that first meeting, in an effort to soften his impact on us, he wore long sleeved shirts on a sweltering day in an effort to cover up the rock star tattoos covering his arms.  I told him not to worry because I had thoroughly checked him out on the internet after hearing that catch in my daughter’s voice.

I’ve always tried to judge a person by the content of their character and very soon we saw what had attracted our strong willed daughter to this man.  He cares deeply about her and about family.  He goes out of his way to include people in the group.  He will be drawn to anybody at family gatherings that seems to be standing back.

Dinner With Them in NYC a Couple Years Ago

He has quickly become an intrinsic part of our family and we always get excited when there’s a break in his touring schedule that allows him to visit us.  If you can’t tell, my wife and I are huge fans of his. 

He wins almost every game he plays – be it bocce ball, board games or fantasy football – to the point of intimidation in the friendliest way possible.  He was also a key element in what is known around our house as the best weekend ever – when he and my daughter married surrounded by an eclectic mix of his great family, ours, and their friends.  I still smile when I think about it. 

On The Right Celebrating Another Win

So here’s a shout out to my son in law, keto guru, rescuer of small cats, and guardian of my daughter’s heart.  I’m the lucky man to be able to call him - son.  Happy Birthday Rock Star!

One of the Hardest Yet Easiest Things I've Ever Done

Superbowl Beard

Panagal Rescue in Grand Central Station

Escorting Frozen Panagals

Happiness

Wouldn't Be Christmas Without Him

As I wrote Last Week - My Kids Went 2 for 2

With a Favorite Uncle

IPad Lessons for his Mother In Law - Lifesaver

Always Pitching in to Help

My Wife and My Three Kids in front of my Next Kid's Home

Stepping in a Great Future Together