Like Father...Like Son

My son's birthday party (3 years old) was this past weekend, and it was an absolute blast!  However, about halfway through the party, while the other kids were screaming for more cake, more pizza, spilling juice, and other various displays of excitement, I noticed my son had grown a bit somber.  He didn't look sad or anything, but he got very quiet and rested his head on the table.  His mother and aunts kept trying to get him to eat some pizza or cake, but he kept saying he didn't want any...not that it stopped them from continuing to offer.


They kept asking him what was wrong and if he was ok, and he just nodded "yes".  Still, they tried to appease him and lighten his seemingly "down" mood...calling his name, smiling, joking, taking pictures...but he still remained somewhat stoic.


I was sitting next to him...cool as a cucumber...because I understood.  Daddy knew.  There was nothing wrong, and nothing to worry about.


My thoughts immediately went back to my 4th birthday party.  I remember it quite vividly.  My twin brother and I had a HUGE party in the backyard of our house back in Prichard, Alabama.  All the kids from the neighborhood were there...my grandfather was making homemade ice cream (with the crank and the dry ice...not the electronic stuff you have these days)...everyone was running and playing and jumping around...except for me.  I spent the majority of that party sitting in a chair with my head on the table...watching the other kids play.


And no...there was nothing wrong.  I can't tell you why I was so quiet and reflective for such a monumental occasion as a 4 year-old's birthday party...also known as...THE BIGGEST JAM OF ALL TIME, but I just had a calmness and stillness that enveloped me, as I watched the other children.  I was totally content and enjoying myself thoroughly...just in my own way.


So I understood, when Daniel got quiet and reflective.  There was nothing wrong...he was just taking it all in.  Daddy understood.  It was a lot to take in all at one time.  All the attention, the hugs, kisses, music, playing, etc.  He told me..."Daddy, I want to go bye, bye."  I said to him..."I understand Daniel...we can go bye, bye, but don't you want to open your gifts first?" I pointed over to the table that had all of his presents...and immediately his demeanor changed as gift after gift were brought to him...and just like that, he was back into HYPE-MODE.


I've found it so important on this journey of fatherhood, to remember how I felt when I was a child...and remembering those feelings as I relate to my son.  In so many ways, I am still that 4 year-old in the backyard observing everyone else....while sitting back and reflecting on everything going on around me.  Now, I know why it happened. 

My son has no idea, but he's teaching me more about myself than I ever knew. 

Daddy