Saturday, October 24, 2009

In My Case, Happiness Is Attached To Size 14 Feet

"Your son at five is your master, at ten your slave, at fifteen your double, and after that, your friend or your foe, depending on his upbringing." ~Author Unknown

Fifteen years ago, October 24, 1994, my life was eternally and profoundly altered.

My wife, who was in incredible pain, was rushed to the Hospital by her mom and dad at approximately 6:45 P.M., and at 7:21 P.M., a 21 inch, 6.5 pound pinkish-purplish growth popped from out her hoo-ha.

Uh-Huh…On this date, fifteen years ago, the apple of my eye, my greatest source of both joy and anxiety, my 5’11” mini-me who stands upon size 14 feet, Ryno was born.

Other than spending the night in a hospital room with a thermostat set on Hell, it was the best night of my life.

As his mom slept, I sat in a rocker much of the night and held him, sang to him, and sweated with him. It…was…the best.

Ryno and I, except for a two or three year period after I left, have always been close as close can be…much of that is completely genetic.

We think alike, have the same sense of humor, and find many of the same things cool, odd, stupid, and in the case of the female persuasion…HOT!!

As the quote at the beginning stated, for the most part, Ryno at 15, is my double. And, I dig it.

A good example…

Whenever Ryno and I are together, I correct every grammar mistake he makes when speaking. I do that with him, as I do with many people, because I find it annoyingly funny helpful, especially to a 15 year old who thinks he knows it all.

What does Ryno glean from my spontaneous English lessons? Major irritation coupled with a response that is generally, “Whatever Dad.”

Of course, I often here from his mom’s mom:

“Matt, whenever Ryan eats with us he is always correcting what I say, and then he gets the same smirk that you always got. Sometimes, it’s like you’ve never left.”

Hee Hee…Revenge is best served in the form of a genetic spawn. I’m kidding…Grandma pretty much digs me…now. Anyhoo…

As the quote at the top continues…Whether Ryno and I are friend and foe from this point on, depends on his upbringing.

I have no doubt that he and I will butt heads, piss each other off, and leave each other perplexed from time to time, however…

There is also absolutely no doubt that we adore each other, and will continue to do so whether we agree or disagree on something. And that is how it should be.

Even though you will not read this buddy, I love you, and wish you a very Happy Birthday and a happy life.

And since you won’t read it here, I will make sure to tell you the same thing when we go out to breakfast this morning and make fun of the other customers.

Have a great Saturday all.

Cheers!!

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Awww... what a touching birthday tribute. It goes to show that a kid's birthday is not only special for them, but for we parent's, too.

Happy birthday to him, and happy became-a-dad day to you!

Candice said...

So sweet!! You're a great Dad, Matt.

Happy birthday to Ryno. :)

Scott Oglesby said...

Aah, that was sweet and touching! Don’t feel compelled to answer this, but I was just curious why he can’t read that? You didn’t even swear. I would have been over the moon if my dad had written something like that about me!

Schmoop said...

Lady: The only thing that is bad about this day is that I am reminded that when he was born I was a mere 29 years old!! Cheers Mrs. D!!

Candice: You are too kind. Have a wunnerful weekend. Cheers Candice!!

Scott: He DOES NOT read my site ever. I don't even let him know the name of it. He isn't ready for that yet. I often tell him much the same thing that I wrote here so he is always well aware how I feel about him. CHeers Scott!!

Ken said...

Have a great day you guys!

Don't make him pose in front of a birthday sign this year OK?

Dianne said...

he really is a cutie :)
love his sweet, often ironic smile
and that look of mischief in his eyes

Happy Birthday!!

Jay said...

Happy Birthday to Ryno!

David said...

I have occasionally wondered if Ryno ever read your blog and assumed he didn't.

Happy birthday to the spawn of Matt-Man. Enjoy the day.

Dice Mardell said...

Happy Birthday, Ryno !

Schmoop said...

Micky: Ha. His mom put it out again but I didn't force him to have his picture taken beside it. Cheers Mick!!

Dianne: Thanks. In two weeks he is getting his head shaved. He's gonna look like a hellion. Cheers Di!!

Jay: Thanks Jay-Man!! Cheers!!

Schmoop said...

David: Good Lord no; you assumed correctly. Cheers David!!

Dice: Thanks. He is currently whooping itup with his mom's side of the family. Cheers!!

Ena said...

What a great Dad! And happy felicitations to YOU on the natal anniversary of your son.

Do you want me to point out the grammar error in your post?

Ken said...

Ena: I want you to point it out, then come to my site, and you can have a hay-day pointing grammer mistakes out. I wouldn't mind, I missed it all in Trade High School and I *would* like to know. You know what a hay-day is...right?

Ken said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Schmoop said...

Ena: Thanks adorable one. As for any grammar miscue. There is not one that isn't in my post intentionally. No, seriously. Cheers Rat!!

Micky: Be careful what you ask for. She just may start on yours, mine, and everyone's. She's smart, ya know. Cheers Mick!!

Me said...

What an awesome post! My stepson is 15 this year, Ryan, and sporting size 15 shoes now. I have this theory that all the byproducts and steroids in our food must be forcing these young un's to come out with some monster feet! Can you imagine what size they'll be when these boys are done growing? Yee gads!

Cinnamon Girl said...

Happy B Day to Ryno! Mine turns 15 in just over 5 weeks =)

snugs said...

hope he has a wodnerful birthday!

snugs said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Micky Mac Patty Whack Sending Matt A Bone said...

I hope your doing OK there Bud!

I think this IS the FIRST missed post since I've been coming here!

RobinF said...

Yet another great read Matt. It's so evident by your posts how much you love your family and how important family is to you. Kudo's to you. Too many people alienate their families over stupid stuff.I love the pic of you and Ryno head to head.So.. to Ryno... Happy Birthday. May you turn out to be the best you can be. And to Matt...keep doing what you're doing...it's awesome!

katherine. said...

Happy 15th Dear Ryno....

Mateo - I've been out of pocket for the past couple days...there should be THREE unread Ruminations here in my Reader.

There is only one.

I'm hoping you are okay and not in the hospital somewhere.

hmmmm....what was the name of that drivein bagwine store?

Phfrankie Bondo said...

...come back Little Sheeba...

Jay said...

tap ... tap ... tap Is this thing on?

Matt? Are you there? Everything okay?

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Hope Ryno had a spectacular birthday...

Lu' said...

I miss you too sweets and now have to worry. Ya know I don't need any help with the gray hair. I'm getting plenty on my own. Thinking of you... Jay has put the word out.

Ken said...

WTF? IT'S .....M O N D A Y....
Where ARE you?

Marilyn said...

Happy birthday Rhyno!

I'm 5'11" too, but I suspect we won't match in height for very long.

Ena said...

Matt? Hellooooo? Matt! I called you! No Answer! WTF?! You're scaring me!

Ken said...

Matt-Man is in Spingfield Community Hospital

No definite information as to his condition at this time. He is on anti-biotics. Monday 2:00 PM EST

Lu' said...

Thanks Micky-T for finding out and updating us; thanks very much. Keep up the sleuthing if you will :)

Ena said...

Oh, shit! Thanks, Micky-T. Just for that I *will* refrain from correcting the grammar on your blog! You're the best!

Ken said...

I think it went something like... Katherine e-mailed Bond...Bond did the sleuthing to the hospital...he sent out e-mails and called me with the info I passd on... I called Matt-Man but got no answer so I left a message for Schmoop or Matt to update us please. I'll try calling again later.

snugs said...

that stubborn stubborn man...my thoughts and prayers heading your way Matt...

cathy said...

So, three incorrect uses of the comma, one incorrect verb tense, one deliberate spelling mistake and one incorrect word later... I am delighted that you have such a good relationship with your son.

cathy said...

Mmm... I have been having a scroll to see what I have been missing. I hope you are feeling better and that picture of Schmoop is bloody amazing! If I lie flat on my back I think I can raise my leg about 60 degrees if I am very careful. LOL.