WHY I LOVE MY SUN.

 

What a stupid title! It is not a question, (although it does start with “why”). It is not a misspelled word, (although it should be “son”). However, there is no question that I love him, and have loved him since the day he was born. (And probably nine months before that too!) My son is the sun to me! He is my morning and my sunset, because he is the Chip that came from this Old Block, in more than just words.

I never use the word “proud” when I speak or even think of my children, (as you know, “Pride Goeth Before the Fall”)! I simply say they make me happy! Anyone who knows the Old Block, remembers that he would not even date a girl unless she had babies already, because all my life I wanted to be called “Dad”! (I never had one, you know. At least not one that I met; only my BFAMs Dennis and Lewis had that privilege. Cliffy and I are still “in search of”.) So, I only brag about the pure joy they bring me, simply by being on the planet. There is nothing they ever have to do to earn my love, but to earn my respect they must strive to be “good” human beings, and they have passed my litmus test for humanity and respect, with flying colors!

There was, however, a long period of darkness for me, no “Sonshine”, if you will, but that is a heart-rending story for another time, (and in my son’s own words). Suffice it to say we both survived the darkness and emerged from the other side of the long dark tunnel far better off than when we entered it. As you all know, I am a proponent for the “let them drive their own car” school of parenting, when children come of age. However, in this scenario, I was not around to grab the wheel or even tap the brakes to keep my son on the road to adulthood.

I love my son for his new-found stainless character, his unerring sense of direction and purpose, his tireless love of God and family, his impeccable work ethic, and his undying warrior spirit. I love the part of my son that is a dash of his mother and a splash of his earthly father. I love the measure of faith that his late grandmother sprinkled upon his brow daily. I love the fact that he has become a loving father and faithful husband and that he and his carry on Papa Bruster’s name and legacy of the vineyard. I love that he shares my name and that of a fallen Vietnamese warrior, who kept me safe and taught me how to survive in a warzone. I love the son who would carry the burden of the entire world on his massive, strong shoulders if God commanded it. My son, my sun, shines brighter than a supernova and is loved and probably envied by many, despite his great fall into darkness. The true measure of a man is not how many times he gets knocked down, but the number of times he gets back up, and stands stronger and more resolute than ever before.

Someday you will all meet my son, and know why he makes me so happy. But until then, just step outside, look up, and enjoy your own sun!