Dear Kyle,

Happy eleventh birthday! I really miss your smiling face and happy laugh. Are you shoveling the driveway? I hope so. Mom needs your help right now because you’re the man there.

Let’s talk about being a man, I think you’re old enough to understand. Being a man isn’t about being big, or smart, or strong or tough. Being a man means knowing that your life is over. What I mean by that is a man does stuff for others first and for himself last. I learned that the day you were born, and that was the greatest day of my life. I had an equally great day when Kayleigh was born. Almost everything I do is for you, or your sister or your mom. If you guys are safe and happy, then I’m happy. That’s why I go to work, so we can have the things we need and some of the things we want. That’s why I get mad when you don’t do well in school, because doing well in school almost guarantees doing well in life. And that’s why I hug you every day, because if you hug me back then I know I’m doing a pretty good job.

So, it may be your birthday, but it’s an anniversary for me, too. Take care and stay special.

P.S. You don’t need to become a man right away. It took me 30 years. You can at least wait until you’re 12.

Love,
Dad