Happy Birthday, To One of the Dopes

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The funny thing about your kids getting older is that as a parent, you have all the goods.

Today Matt is 25 years old (I’m pretty sure - will confirm later - I never know their damn ages).

And for his birthday I could mention:

The time he walked into a wall and needed medical help.

Or

The time he swallowed a 2 pound piece of beef cause his teeth hurt and he didn’t want to get in trouble for not eating it. (Needed an operation to get it dislodged, and resulted in me still cutting all their food before I give it to them).

Or

When he tapped a school bus (empty), got berated by the driver, and told her “stop yelling or I’m calling my Mom.”

Or

Well, you get the picture.

I have a lot of information...

...and I have used it, at times, to inform his girlfriend that he is indeed...

...the first in line of 3 dopes.

Now, I could mention that he’s come out of the other side as a fine man who has his heart and head in the right place.

He works every day, and he takes pride in what he does. He is fiercely loyal to his favorite sports teams, his family and his principles.

And now he cuts up his food!

Every once in awhile, I take great pleasure in reminding Matt of having to change him after he had a bit of a bathroom issue about 22 or so years ago.

That one usually gets him to leave the room.

We’re proud of Matt and his efforts to live a good life...

...and that’s no small feat when it comes to parenting.

Happy Birthday.

Try not to walk into any walls today.

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