I May Have To Start Lying About His Age

Today is my son's 40th birthday. I wish him a Happy Birthday and many more to come.

But, I have to say that having him turn 40 is making me feel older than any birthday I have ever had myself. I am, and always will be, 22 years older than he is. I don't mind saying that I am 62 years old, but I am finding it a little hard to say that I have a 40 year old son. I think I am going to have to start lying about his age.

For his birthday, Rob's wife asked the whole family to send her memories and thoughts about him that she put into an album for him. Since Rob has been a great son for 40 years (sigh) I thought it would be easy. I found it harder to put the memories into words than I thought it would be. Here is some of what I shared.

• When Rob was born the hospital bill was only $7.
• Rob could identify all the letters of the alphabet when he was 18 months old.
• He could hear a song and pick out the notes on a toy piano at 3 or 4 years old. I have alway been in awe of his musical ability.
• Though he definitely always had a mind of his own, even as a little boy Rob had the ability to think about the feelings of others.
• The first time he saw his "baby" sister in a bikini he had a reaction that would rival that of any parent.
• Rob and I had our "coming of age" experience when he was 18 or 19 and we were both at a party at the Boulder Reservoir....everyone but Rob and I and a few others ended up with all their clothes off. We were on an island that you could only get to by boat, so just leaving wasn't an option. We made it through that and both grew up a little.
• No one makes Rob do something he doesn't want to do.
• Rob always answers my stupid computer questions without making me feel stupid.
• Rob makes it very obvious that he loves being a dad.
• Rob has as uncanny ability to remember things from a very young age. It's great to have a family historian.

Rob with his son, Wil

Happy Birthday Rob, and let's keep that 40 thing just between us.