The Return of the Smile

Day 306:

You know Conor, forward thinking is a gift for many people and that's assuming it comes naturally to them.  For me it's a learned behavior as I've always been one to live in the moment and as such, those moments own me.  But today I was doing some thinking, Boy'O.  I was thinking about what the future holds now that you're in the World.  I was thinking about the decisions I've made, the decisions I'm making, and the ones I've not yet made but will... Profound I know but when you eventually read this you'll have most certainly crossed that bridge and will have no doubt considered the many causes and effects of your actions.

As I'm sitting here watching movies from my youth, specifically Star Wars VI - Return of the Jedi, your mother threw a passing comment to the effect of, "I bet you can't wait to watch these movies with Conor." and it struck me...  While I'm focussed on what you need now, I've not really considered all the things we'll one day do.  I mean sure I've thought about what it'll be like to go through the grander things with you.  School and baseball practice and traveling the World, but I'd not given much thought to the little things.  The things that shaped my youth.  For example, these movies...

When I was a boy Harrison Ford was my idol, Son.  I couldn't WAIT 'til the next Star Wars movie or the next Indiana Jones movie came out!  And as such my Dad, your Pop-Pop, would see to it that we made it out to each and every one.  Going to the movies was a treat no doubt and those memories I'll carry with me always... When Mommy kinda threw that out there tonight, it gave me some perspective.

Living in the moment is great and all, but looking forward provides considerably more insight and gives me so much more to consider.  Especially where you're concerned, Son.

As for the day, you're officially 95%?  And the only reason I left that 5% out was because you're still managing a little bit of a runny nose, though looking at you you'd never know it...  You're such a happy, bright, and shining baby boy, Conor.  Each day you remind me of what it means to be truly happy and each day I tell myself, no matter what the day brings, seeing things through the eyes of the Lion Heart can only make my life better...  So here's to forward thinking and looking forward, Son.

I love you, Conor.
-Dad