birthday brunch

Well, kids, your dad is thirty eight. Grey hairs which used to be restricted to the nape of my neck have migrated and have settled in permanently in my temples. My skin on my cheeks is red and dotted with pores, reminding me of my grandfather's face and the importance of sunscreen. My back needs a bit more muscle in it and I slouch a lot more now. I am doing a job I never thought I would do but I am happy in it. Most of my day is spent studying right now which is hard but very, very rewarding. I still feel like I am twenty seven. I stubbornly believe that nothing has changed to my core since then except I have learned how to love better and I am a little less selfish which is a very good thing. I have worked hard a maintaining good friendships although I don't get to see them much at all. That will change as you grow up. But you two... You two make my heart grow. You have been an excellent, tough path to follow but each day you make me believe in things larger than myself. I hope you find friends in your family the way we have. Lke this lovely brunch that auntie ardleigh made for your dad. We are lucky and blessed.