When my dad passed away in 2002, I kept his briefcase.
Inside, I put his golf tees and baseball cards, a ceramic dish I made him in 2nd grade that he would put coins in after work, and his reading glasses. There's also book of New York Times crossword puzzles, one of Drabble comics (our favorite), a cassette tape of Harry Chapin songs he used to play on the guitar, and a single photograph -
Him holding a birthday cake topped with lighted candles, smiling.
Whenever I miss my dad, which is often, I sort through the briefcase and look at him holding his birthday cake.
On Saturday, November 1st,
my dad's birthday,
our first son was born.
I had the picture with me in the hospital. It was the first time in six years it had left the briefcase. I know that somehow, Grandpa Jim came along to share his cake with our boy. I know that he will every year as he grows up.
I love you Dad. Happy Birthday to both of you.
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Calvin James
8 lb 8 oz
8 lb 8 oz
19 1/2 in
November 1, 2008
9:37 pm
Santa Barbara, CA
November 1, 2008
9:37 pm
Santa Barbara, CA
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Congratulations! Thanks for making me cry. What a special day. He is so precious!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've gone to your blog and I'm sad that it's taken me so long... this is AMAZING! I got tears to my eyes just reading it. Your son is so handsome. Congratulations. What an angel. Jen
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Your post gave me chills. What a special day, dad, and boy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tender blessing, Katie. Little Calvin is absolutely adorable. I can't wait to meet him! Congratulations to you guys!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm so glad I checked your blog today. He is beautiful. It's fantastic that he made his entrance on such a meaningful day.
ReplyDeletePrecious Beyond.....Since I'm not having another boy to name Calvin, the next best thing is a nephew!
ReplyDeleteI love him so much already. Can't wait to meet Baby Calvin.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Welcome Baby Calvin! What a wonderful bond Calvin will have with your father. Vincent and Giuliana have been asking if you had the baby yet. I am happy to show them the adorable picture of Calvin! I don't know where you stored all of him! You were so little! I'm so very happy for you and your fmaily and I can't wait to meet Calvin.
ReplyDeleteHugs
ahhhhhhhhhhh... tears in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful boy and what a great birthday!!
Congratulations!!!
Katie, what a sweet memory. I hope you're feeling well and I am dying to hear what Jolie and Leah think of their new baby brother! Congratulations to you and Jack!
ReplyDeleteI am obsessed with him and his name. Counting down the days 'till I get to hold him.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again Katie & Jack!
ReplyDeleteHe's beautiful, and I know Grandpa Jim filled his little head with funny stories to start him off right.
Welcome little Calvin - we can't wait to hold you and spoil you rotten!
This made me cry, twice. It's beautiful to see how the Lord blesses our lives, in so many different capacities. Thanks for sharing your blessing. And I LOVE the name. Beautiful, all of it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! He is beautiful. I can't wait to meet him!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect day. Congratulations, he is darling.
ReplyDeletehe is beautiful. Looks just like Jack. Thank you for sharing such a sweet story with us.
ReplyDeleteI love his name! I'm so glad he waited to come on the first. That's incredible. Christmas can't come soon enough! Love you guys, hope you're getting plenty of rest and recovering quickly.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What a special birthday! He is so handsome!
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute! Congratulations!!! He's so cute!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Katie! What a special day for your family.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Katie, Jack and Family. I know this will always be a special day for your family.
ReplyDeleteA huge welcome to little Calvin and congratulations to you! What a meaningful birthday!
ReplyDeleteTear jerker...LOVE this! Congrats to you both and what a special treat for Calvin to get to come and bring everyone a bit of happiness on your Dad's birthday. Your whole family is amazing...i'm so glad I can follow you all through blogs and see the happy times! Congrats, cute pic...wish I could take some more of him =) wishing you lots of sleep...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHe's absolutely precious! Congratulations to you all, and especially good work to you, Katie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story and blessing to have your son born on the 1st! I'm so happy for you and Jack! We wish you all the best and I'm 100 percent positive your Dad was there. Lots of love!
ReplyDeleteI loved your comments about your dad. What an amazing day! So exciting that your little boy shares his birthday with his grandfather. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! He is darling and how lucky to share his birthday with his grandpa, who must have been amazing, judging from the rest of your family!
ReplyDelete*oh, and thank you for the bows! I hope you get the $$$ ok!
hooray! i love him! don't make me cry at work again--they're starting to question my stability.
ReplyDeletethat just made my day, what a sweet way to enter the world! i'm so happy for you guys and your new little man!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for my new, beautiful, precious, little grandson! Katie, you are amazing! The only thing that could be better than my 3 darling grandchildren is TONS more (hint to my other kids). I'll be seeing Calvin and his sisters in 48 hours and counting. Can't wait! Oh, and thank Jack for me, too. I know he's thrilled with little Cal Erbkin. All my love,
ReplyDeleteG'ma D
Congratulations!!! He is absolutely gorgeous. thanks for sharing your sweet story.
ReplyDelete