Dear Charlie,
I can’t believe you are now Seven-years-old. Where does the time go? Wasn’t it just a moment ago that I was rushing back from the Hamptons Film Festival to get to the hospital in time for your arrival? Holding your new sister in my hands in recent days brings me back so clearly to when all you could do was sleep, eat and other basic things. Occasionally, I will glance at the photo of you lying against my bare chest when you were only a few days old and marvel at what an amazing person you’ve become.
This past year you have grown so much as a person and I don’t just mean physically, although you are certainly lankier than before. I was so proud of you this summer when you learned how to ride your bicycle. Helping you get there was one of the most meaningful things I’ve done this year; and to watch you riding so effortlessly now, when only a couple of months ago you could barely go five feet by yourself, is so amazing to me. I know I wasn’t easy on you at the NJ shore, barking orders at you like a drill sergeant, nor was it pleasant with all the scrapes and bruises incurred, but I’d like to think that a lifetime of cycling makes it worth it.
You are such a kind, sweet boy, Charlie, and I hope that these qualities never leave you. I know your brother can be a pest more times than not and am really so proud of you for how you generally treat him. It’s not easy being the big brother. Believe me, I know. And then to see your excitement about having a new sister – it makes your mother and I so pleased. I hope that you and Georgia (still can’t believe I’m writing this) have a relationship akin to what your aunt Suzy and I have.
When you were a little boy I often thought of you as ‘mini-me’ but now it’s so clear that while you have some of my sensibility (or lack there of, ha-hah!) you really are your own person, with your own way of thinking and your own way of seeing the world. Your ease with math, for example, is something I never had. I never could have sat down long enough to play Chess or Stratego like you do, nor did I have the capacity at your age to understand those games. It’s going to be very interesting to see what things you put your mind to as the years roll forward.
Charlie, I love you so very much. You bring so much joy and growth to my life. May this Seventh year bring you lots of happiness and may you continue to grow into the amazing individual that you have already embarked on.
With great love and affection. Happy Birthday!!!
Daddy
