THCreate

April 10, 2014, I became a father to my first born son, Levi. Happy Birthday, Levi!

Levi is an amazing child. He’s gifted beyond what the eye may see and intellectually excels over his peers with his educational determination to not disappoint himself or others. He’s a well-disciplined child.

I remember the day Levi was born. I was so proud to be a father. After working nine 12-hour shifts at Baptist Hospital back-to-back, I was preparing for a short 2-week Family Medical Leave of Absence to accommodate this newness that would become my life.

Being a father is an amazing adventure. It’s an adventure so realistic that you cannot afford to miss a beat. I mean, look at how multi-talented Levi was to stuff his mouth with a banana, stacking blocks while smiling. See what I mean by not missing a beat? These memories I captured allows my son to know he was loved as he smiled back at his dad. Levi’s helped me achieve something in myself that existed all along but surfaced once he entered the world. That something was being an overly involved and dedicated father. Somethings never change like the love I show my child(ren); the same love I received from my mother as a young boy.

Levi has always been my special child. Though undiagnosed, I have always suspected ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) because of how pristine he was as a toddler and as he matured into his early childhood ages. You’re wondering what was it that I suspected? Levi had a method for everything he did. He would line up cars and trucks in a fashionable order. He would take the foam alphabet letters and place them in a circular motion. He would be perfectly fine playing in isolation, walking the perimeter of my backyard fence as if programmed to do so. He would not talk or talk as much as I had hoped.

Never once did I abandon him or forsake him. That wouldn’t make me the world’s best dad. What I did do, was cater to him. I catered to his needs, his wants, his desires. What was important to him was essentially important to me. To communicate more effectually, we both watched YouTube videos of ASL (American Sign Language) and we would be able to connect through gesture more than words. Was it hard? Sure. All things take time to learn with practice and patience. Levi was one of a kind, so despite the lack of sleep, working nightshift and attending college, I had to do what had to be done. That’s called sacrificial parenting.

Now my baby boy is 8 years young and I’m proud of the interaction we have and the relationship we share. Unique like no other, Levi, I’m blessed to be your dad and I hope as you mature, our relationship can be an instrument to others–other fathers who can’t seem to grasp the concept of what it means to accept the title of dad or father. I hope those of you who are familiar with our YouTube channel, Forever Fatherhood, observe my role as a father without casting judgment, understanding that we work hard then play while living life to the fullest. The Bible makes it clear,

Matthew 6:34 is “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

We live life to the fullest each and every day, knowing tomorrow may never come.

Levi, you’ve always had a front row seat to my heart while I was first in command from the start. I lead, you follow. Now as you age, I’m starting to follow your lead, because without you, there would be no me, the person I’ve always wanted to become, a dad, and you made that possible. I wouldn’t have understood my calling had you not have been born.

Your birthday isn’t official until 20:08. Here’s to your birthday, Levi, and many more special memorable moments to come.

I love you!

-Daddy