Sixteen?

I don’t think I’m ready for this. My older son turned 16 years old today. I took him to the Driver License Division this morning where he received his driver license. It’s crazy.

It doesn’t seem like it could possibly be 16 years ago that he came into our lives. At the time he was born, we were living in a tiny 20-foot by 24-foot apartment in south Orem. I was working at Jones Paint & Glass in Provo, cutting vinyl pieces used for window frames. I would come home every day covered in what looked quite a bit like snowflakes.

We had an appointment to go to Payson Community Hospital the evening before my son was born. I remember getting ready to go to the hospital. I was taking a shower and I remember thinking that my life was about to change forever. Never again would I not be a parent. I remember being excited to meet my first child.

A storm came through the valley and the low pressure threw a bunch of women into labor. My wife and I ended up waiting quite a while, because women in labor obviously come at a higher priority than women whose laber is supposed to be induced. It was pretty late at night when we were finally brought to a labor/delivery room and the process began.

Older son was finally born at 9:32 the next morning. I didn’t have a clue then how much he would change my life. I probably still don’t have any idea.

Today he can drive without having a parent in the car. I’m certain he’s been plotting and planning his first date. I remember how old and grown-up I felt when I received my Driver License. Did I look as young as he does to me? Probably more so–I was only 15 at the time.

Happy Birthday, older son! I’m excited for the years ahead. I’m proud of you for who you are and who you are continuing to become.