He sent me Zeb, who I like to think of as my practice child. With him I learned many things about parenting - how to change diapers, why one should always take a change of clothes when going out with a little one, when not to overreact, and most importantly, how to really listen.
I have had the honor of bringing him home from the hospital for the first time, helping cut down and decorate his first Christmas tree, watching him take his first steps, watching him play soccer and basketball, driving him home from school everyday his freshman year, helping teach him how to drive a car, providing "locker space" and emergency school supplies in my classroom, and being his shelter from the storms of teenage madness.
I am so proud of him today. He's quite the young man. He's intelligent, strong, funny, caring, and fiercely loyal to those who put their faith in him. I know good things await him on the road ahead and I hope he allows me to keep tagging along for the ride.
Happy Birthday to my Zeb, you funny little monkey.
