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!!