The Greatest Gift

Day 12:

Merry Christmas, Conor!
There's an old saying; "It is better to give than it is to receive." Ordinarily I subscribe to that sentiment. I love nothing more than to make others smile; be it through humor and wit, a kind word, material gifts; I'm wired to 'give' and happy to do it... But this year, this Christmas, there is no amount of giving to out-do the gift you've given me - You. This year it is better to receive, Conor.

Your very presence is a constant reminder of how lucky I am - which conversely is a sentiment I've NOT always subscribed to. "Luck". But welcoming you to the world, knowing you, watching you grow in even less than two weeks, I've felt the fates smiling on me, Conor. Smiling on us. Smiling on all of us. And watching you, how hard you're fighting and how strong you are; how strong your heart is... My little Lion-Heart. Conor An Chroí Lion...

In my 38 years I've not experienced Christmas to mean as much as it does this year, Conor. I'm doubly reminded of my Christian roots and find myself praying more than I ever have... And not that I ever lost touch with God, but the moment you opened your eyes I became sure my faith in God was evidence to the contrary of any doubting thought I've ever held. As well, I've experienced 'Love' on an other plane. My soul simply continues to expand and every single thing I felt I knew seems diminished. I realize there's so much more to learn. "The older I get, the less I know." A simple adage I've come to agree with, especially of late... And unfortunately it takes a great many experiences and lessons to understand this adage as simply being truth. It's an odd thing, Conor, but "the greatest wisdom is to realize one's lack of it." --Konstantin Stanislavisky

Thank you for the greatest gift this Christmas, Conor - You.

Merry Christmas, Son. I love you always.
-Dad