He came into our busy lives unexpectedly and made us even busier. With three children already we welcomed this little baby into our family with both joy for the new life and trepidation for the general future. At three kids, we were already outnumbered. When Timothy Sean made it four versus two, we became outmatched. It was on, like Donkey Kong.
I usually think of Tim as my “exclamation point” kid. He did everything full tilt. Crawling, climbing, running, getting into, through and on top of everything. He ran into this world, and we just chased behind him, trying to catch up. He was also the sweetest kid in the world. His cute little smile, head down, eyes looking sheepishly up at you, as you scolded him for doing something dangerous, would melt your heart. Still, there were very few weeks that went by that he didn’t almost give me a heart attack. I think a few of those moments may have actually qualified as infarctions, anginas, or even arterial spasms. That kid could scare the crap out of you without even trying. My exclamation point, indeed.
Tim turned thirty-six last Tuesday on Veteran’s Day. It’s fitting that he was born on Veteran’s Day. He served with the U.S. Army in Iraq and Kuwait in the early 2000’s. As proud of him and his service as I am, those were some of the most anxious months of my (and I’m sure his) life. It was hard on him. It still is. He came home, though. That’s the important part.
When I think of Tim being little, I always remember saying “where’s Tim? Anybody seen Timmy?” a lot. There are a few family videos where you can hear that phrase. He lived his life that way, leaning into whatever he sees as important. People he loves get all of him. He’ll be there for you. Work gets full intensity. Friends know they can count on him. He made me a very tired daddy, chasing after him when I was in my twenties. Those same traits that make him a good man and a better father and husband were being hammered out back then into the man he is today. I’d say it was worth it.
My grandson, Sammy, is like his dad. He has unlimited energy. He has speed, strength, and stamina. He’s head-strong and stubborn. He’s intelligent and cunning at the same time. He is sweet and charming and can melt your heart with his smile. He can also scare the daylights outta you with his daredevil antics. I love that boy. When I watch Tim chase Sammy, I remember those days with my baby boy. I know how tired you can get, Tim, when you’ve worked all day (or night) and come home to ride herd on a hurricane. All I can tell you for certain, that I know from personal experience, is this: it’s worth it.
Happy Birthday, Tim! Dad loves you.
God bless Y’all!
Rolling Stones 