Dear Atlas,
It’s me, Dad.
You’re about to turn two, and it seems like these first two years have gone by in the blink of an eye. A lot has happened since you were born, and I think that someday you’ll be able to look back and appreciate these times for what they were.
There’s something I love about you, Atlas. There are a lot of things, and you know that…but the one thing I’ve grown to love most about you is the way that you shine with love.
As a parent, I’m not supposed to look around and compare you to other children. However, there’s one thing I’ve noticed in a lot of kids, and that is their dull appearance. They look bored, unengaged, and seem to lack a spark.
Not you, Atlas.
When I look at you, I see a radiant young man that is bursting with love, joy and personality. I see a child that is curious, loving, kind, sensitive and sweet. I see your heart, Atlas. It’s as if it glows from your smile and radiates into everybody around you, who can’t help but smile when they see you.
You are pure Love, in the form of a little boy, Atlas.
You touched my life, Atlas. You made it better in every way possible.
You taught me how to prioritize and protect my time, so that we could enjoy it more together.
You taught me how to be patient, quiet and calm – because you will always remember the way I said things far more than what I said.
You taught me to get on my hands and knees to play with you, and it has helped me rediscover, love and accept my own inner child.
You taught me that things get dirty, break or get spilled on – and it’s more important to show you that it’s ok to make mistakes than it is to worry about the mess. Cheers!
Atlas, I cannot tell you how much I love our time together. The moments are so sweet, loving and full of joy. The more time that we spend together, the more I realize what a privilege it is to be your Dad. There is nothing more important than our time together and having the opportunity to be your protector, role model, caretaker and guide.
Being your Dad has helped me understand and appreciate my own childhood. A lot.
Our family lived primarily in one home for most of our lives and didn’t move. Mom stayed home to both educate and care for me and my siblings. We were surrounded by people from every race, culture and background. We read incessantly, learned through field trips and hands-on experiences and volunteered in a wide spectrum of environments.
We were culturally rich, loved, cared for, appreciated and invested in, Atlas. That made the difference for each of us. We were invested in.
Atlas, it isn’t always easy to be a parent. However, there is nothing else I’d rather do than be your Dad, spend time together and play with you.
Your birthday is coming up soon, and I’m already looking for the right gifts, experiences and things we can do together to celebrate. We’re going camping <3
I love you, little bear.
Dad
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