31 years ago today we welcomed into our fairly new marriage the joyous quivering chin and precious face of Nathan Dennis Mansfield.
My bride was amazing, holding her newborn son with the confidence that every mother can instantly obtain, if each desires to.
Nate looked this way and that, crinkled his nose, his erratic little pink hands and fingers moved about his face and his mama's hands... and his chin quivered, until the soft and warm lights basked his nakedness and his mother's voice calmed his heart.
Susan's voice never stopped doing that, Nate's whole life.
Though it hardly feels like three years since Nate's been with the Lord, it even more hardly feels like it's been three decades since his day of birth.
But it has.
Happy Birthday, my son. May Heaven's traditions reflect the joyous traditions we held and practiced on the unique date of your birth: July 14th.
Thanks, Meg. It was wonderful to read what you wrote.
Your big brother was proud of you, is proud of you and will always BE proud of you.
Just like your Dad is. I love you.
Posted by: Dennis Mansfield | July 17, 2012 at 02:48 PM
Sweet thoughts, dad. I love you and think you're the best dad a kid could ask for. We missed celebrating with you this year, but spent time thinking of many happy memories of Nate. xoxo, Me
Posted by: Meg | July 16, 2012 at 11:28 PM