Twenty-two years gone in the blink of an eye.
Today, I celebrate, and a piece of me quietly grieves. The part of fatherhood that once felt so necessary, so full of purpose: the daily task of raising him.
There’s an inevitable ache that comes when your son’s wings have finally grown strong enough to leave the nest and make his own way in the world.
A test to himself.
Every feather on those wings carries something I gave him, a lesson, a sacrifice, a moment that helped prepare him to fly. Strength. Wisdom. Love and the courage to leave.
Knowing all of that is true, doesn’t make the letting go any easier.
As the son flies, the old man cries, a piece of him is missing.
Welcome to adulthood, I love you son.
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Chu The Cud 