Where in the world did the time go?

It seems mere moments ago that he was placed in my arms for the very first time, all swaddled, a deeply placid expression etched on his tiny baby face.

And then I made a mistake and blinked…

Was it not just a few days ago that I held this kid’s hand and walked him into his first day of Kindergarten?

Trying to maintain your hold on your child’s every move and moment is like trying to hold water in your hands…it just trickles through your fingers no matter how hard you try to keep it contained.

Now he’s finishing his junior year of college, working a full-time job, and planning a career.

I look at him these days and I see a man that I love to pieces. He is strong, smart, and deeply compassionate.

He calls or texts virtually every day, always just to ask how I am doing. He is confidante to, and protector of,  his big brother Nate. He is a planner like his Uncle Kevin. He is a playful cousin and an interested uncle.

He enjoys coffee and computers, tubing the river with Elizabeth, long talks with Pops, movies with Nate, fun with friends, doing well in school, and knowing he has a solid future in front of him.

He’s my baby boy. All grown up.