Six years ago, I held a miracle in my arms for the first time. A miracle because he was not planned. A miracle because we thought we had lost him only weeks after we found out that he was coming. I remember lying in bed holding my wife in my arms late one night, around the holidays, both of us solemn and uncertain...and silent. "It's not fair," her voice trembled, "You should never have to lose a baby once you get excited about the idea of having it," she said softly, breaking my heart with her words.
She was wrong obviously, and for once, I was glad that she was wrong. I cannot imagine life without this beautiful soul. Orion has filled our home with laughter, love, adventure and hugs...lots and lots of hugs. There is nothing better than coming home from a business trip and hearing his little feet running from the other room, his voice yelling, "Dada!", as he leaps into my arms and hugs me tightly. There is nothing that warms my heart more than watching him run and hug his brothers when they walk through the door, even after being gone for only a few hours.
Orion is our snuggler too. Whether its climbing into our bed at 2:00am, or requesting that you sit with him to watch a movie. On the rare occasion that Melanie and I actually get a chance to sit on the couch together, Orion wants to be right in the middle, between the two of us.
Rocks and shells are his favorite collectables this past year. He loves his pets; his new kitten Shredder, and Jack, his cockatiel are always close by. Everyday his face lights up when he interacts with his pets like it is still his first day with them. He might be the smallest one in the house, but he sour biggest helper.
Orion is swimming like a fish now. He plays hard. He is always on the go and often his body and brain start shutting down before he is ready to. At that point, he becomes melancholy and begins to list his grievances from the past six years. "Dada, when I was in mama's tummy, before I was born," tears welling up in his eyes, "I was bored in there too." As with everything with Orion, what would be annoying if it was any other kid, we find very endearing.
Happy sixth birthday little man. Thank you for all the wonderful laughs, memories, and hugs these first six years. You were the perfect addition to our family six years ago. I can't wait to see what adventures this year will bring.
I love you Orion!
Love Dada
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