Happy Birthday, Son

September 8, 2024
 
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius
Today is my son, Todd’s, birthday!  Happy birthday, Son!
 
Though fifty years have gone by like a flash, I remember the day you were born.  In the waiting room (I was too chicken to go in with your Mom for your delivery) I heard your borning cry.  Ever after that moment, my life changed.  Suddenly, I was a Dad with no experience in raising a child.  I know I failed on a lot of issues, but at this one thing, I never failed.  It was love.
 
I thought my love-o-meter was full to the brim, but somehow when you were born, I found more love to give.  It’s called being a Dad, a Mom.  One moment you are not—and then you are.
 
Change diapers, hold a tiny baby, burp a baby, love a baby, were all new experiences.  No training, just figure it out.  Your Mom was and is better at all those things than me.
 
So many memories over all this time---yes there were the bumps, as life is like that, but far more happy times.  Your giggle as we zipped down the hill on the sled at break-neck speed.  At the bottom, all we could hear, besides the crunch of snow under foot, was your Mom hollering.  “What are you thinking?”  Then there was the time your Mom and I brought your baby sister, Lisa, home from the hospital.  After a few hours you said, “She’s nice….when do we take her back?”  How about the time you opened your Christmas present to find tickets to the 1991 Rose Bowl?  I remember you jumping for joy.  Of course, after the game, we had to explain the agony of defeat.  So many mile markers along the way.
 
Son, you’ve had success in your life of which I am so proud.  But the most memorable, the most treasured of all is this.  You love Jesus!  That love brings with it your witness and testimony to so many others about the blessing of eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ!  
 
Teaching you about the Lord….your Mom and I got right!
 
Stay the course, I love you!
Dad
 
 
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