The big day
Forty years ago today, in a hospital in southern California, a young woman named Caril gave birth to a precious baby boy named Thomas Kirk (later to be known as Kirk). He was exceptionally smart from the start, pensive and studious (as much as a baby can be), with a good share of angst (his caregivers were often concerned about his well-being noting that he liked to draw black pictures of tornadoes as a young child). That baby boy grew up to be my husband, and today he joins the big 4-0 birthday club. While he no longer draws pictures of tornadoes, he's still smart as a whip, and has grown to be very caring and supportive husband, father, brother, son and friend.
I had such good intentions for a big birthday celebration for Kirk this year. I really wanted to do something special for him, so that he could get all the extra attention he deserves (but never seeks). I know, I thought, how about a big party! We never have parties anymore, and this is the perfect occasion to have all our friends over. Oh, but wait... reality check... we have a 5-month old baby who consumes all of my time. How would I ever prepare for, and host, a big party in this disaster of a house that is filled with dog hair and baby toys? On a good night, Kirk is lucky if I'm able to put together an edible dinner for us. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, a party was not to be. Instead, Kirk woke up alone in a boring hotel in Frankfurt on his 40th birthday, with little more than a phone call from his wife and baby wishing him Guten Morgen and happy birthday before heading off to his meetings.
While his 40th birthday could rank among the lamest of them all (who wants to be in Frankfurt on his birthday?!), his 40th year could certainly be among the most noteworthy. Here we are, living a very blessed life in Basel, Switzerland, and we've just become parents to the most precious baby girl you ever did see. We've already seen many ways in which Baby takes after her father. Her bright blue, observant eyes constantly scan her surroundings, taking in everything around her. She is often serious and pensive, contemplating the troubles of the world and deciding her next move. And, of course, she's extremely clever. If she grows up to be even half as ambitious, driven, thoughtful, and loving as her father I will be thrilled.
Here he is, the birthday boy (AKA the old man) in a picture capturing a moment I will remember forever, taken just moments after he became a Dad. Happy birthday, Kirk! We love you! Come home soon!
I had such good intentions for a big birthday celebration for Kirk this year. I really wanted to do something special for him, so that he could get all the extra attention he deserves (but never seeks). I know, I thought, how about a big party! We never have parties anymore, and this is the perfect occasion to have all our friends over. Oh, but wait... reality check... we have a 5-month old baby who consumes all of my time. How would I ever prepare for, and host, a big party in this disaster of a house that is filled with dog hair and baby toys? On a good night, Kirk is lucky if I'm able to put together an edible dinner for us. Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, a party was not to be. Instead, Kirk woke up alone in a boring hotel in Frankfurt on his 40th birthday, with little more than a phone call from his wife and baby wishing him Guten Morgen and happy birthday before heading off to his meetings.
While his 40th birthday could rank among the lamest of them all (who wants to be in Frankfurt on his birthday?!), his 40th year could certainly be among the most noteworthy. Here we are, living a very blessed life in Basel, Switzerland, and we've just become parents to the most precious baby girl you ever did see. We've already seen many ways in which Baby takes after her father. Her bright blue, observant eyes constantly scan her surroundings, taking in everything around her. She is often serious and pensive, contemplating the troubles of the world and deciding her next move. And, of course, she's extremely clever. If she grows up to be even half as ambitious, driven, thoughtful, and loving as her father I will be thrilled.
Here he is, the birthday boy (AKA the old man) in a picture capturing a moment I will remember forever, taken just moments after he became a Dad. Happy birthday, Kirk! We love you! Come home soon!
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