The day I fell in love

I fell in love one day.

In was a breezy and mild early winter’s day in New England. While the rising of the sun didn’t signify anything out of the normal for that day; for me December 30, 1999 will always hold special meaning.

It was the day that I fell in love.

It was in a non-descript room at the Jordan Hospital. I even remember the time.

I remember everything like it was yesterday. It wasn’t yesterday though. It was 11 years ago today that I fell in love.

It is the deepest most heartfelt love that a person can have.

It was 5:42pm when my son Colby Daniel Copley entered this world. All the anticipation and worry was worth it. I finally got to meet my little boy; and he got to meet me.

I was lucky enough to be there. I saw the miracle of life happen that day. My little boy came into this world and the first thing he saw was his dad.

I tell him the story all the time. I was looking at this deformed, bloody mess. Is he OK? Where is his face? Is he breathing? The doubt was flying around in the mind. I didn’t even know what I was looking at. Then…

His eyes flew open and I saw the deepest most beautiful blue eyes that I could ever imagine. I saw deep into my destiny. I saw my little boy’s eyes for the first time and the first thing that he saw was…. ME.

I fell in love that day.

Every second of everyday since I have fallen in love with my little boy even more.

What a blessing the last 11 years has been!

I saw my son crawl for the first time. I saw my son walk for the first time. I was there when he spoke his first words. I took him to his first race. I helped him ride a bike without trailing wheels, hike his first 4000 foot mountain and ski his first black diamond trail… all before he turned four! For many years I read to son. I have done so much with my son!

I did with my son the things that a father does. I am truly blessed that he has been healthy, active and an amazing person.

His 11^th year has been a hard one for him though. Seeing his mom and dad separated has been a rough experience. Going to his grandfather’s funeral must have been hard!

But through it all my boy has stood tall. He has been tough when he needs to be and tender when he has to be.

He is growing up to be a young man now. My boy and I have laughed and loved together… and mourned and cried together.

Today I count my blessings that he is mine and that he is who he is.

This next year is an important one for my boy. He becomes a Boy Scout this year! He’ll be going to middle school! Every year is another opportunity and another challenge for this amazing soul.

Today I thank God for this young man that is in my life. I thank God for his mom and for all the amazing support that I have received from family and friends throughout the years.  Today is Colby’s day. Today is a day to celebrate my best friend and my only child. Today is for you Colby. You are amazing.

It was breezy and mild the day that I fell in love…