Dear Nolan,
As you will undoubtedly learn sooner or later, I am bad with
these sentimental things, but your mother insists on it. That being said, I am
grateful to her for “nudging” me to do this. I would love to have notes and
things from my parents, but it isn’t until now, being a parent myself, that I
realize this. On that note….
This is my story of the day you were born.
Now you are our third child to be born, so you might think
us pros by now. While, I didn't have the same anxiety as maybe when your older
brother Elijah was born, having a child is always nerve racking. I always get
some butterflies in my stomach during the whole delivery process.
Your mom had to deliver you by C-section, as she did with
your other siblings. This gives us the unique opportunity to countdown until
your arrival. It is also scheduled at 7:30 in the morning and we had to be at
the hospital at 5:30am. I am NOT a morning person, but because I love you, I
did it. You’re welcome.
As we prepared for the surgery, I got to think about you…how
you will be when you come out, how you will grow and, hopefully, survive two
older siblings as rambunctious as Elijah and Maddie. I knew you would be
special. I knew you were meant to do great things. I knew and know you are a
great spirit. I just hope I don't screw that up for you and hope I can raise
you and point you in the right direction for your life. But I can’t make the
decisions for you. That is up to you. Anyways…
During surgery, I held your mom’s hand as I sat near her
head behind the drape. The doctor told me to get my camera ready and out you
came, screaming and looking up with your hands raised as if asking God, “Why
would they do this to me? I was good and comfy in there!”
They took you over to be weighed. Your mom and I always
“bet” on weights and heights. I guessed 8’12” and I think I would have been
right on the money if you hadn’t pooped all over the scale before they could
weigh you. I mean it was a lot. After the nurse cleaned you up, you ended up
8’9”, 20 inches, born at about 8 am. I have the unique privilege of presenting
you to your mom. I brought you over and I knew she was in love with you. I was
pretty fond of you too…okay, I fell in love too. I wouldn’t let you go. I
carried you out of the surgical room back to the recovery room and you and I
waited for mommy. During that time I got to hold you and love you. You were
still pretty upset about leaving your mom, but you eventually got over it.
Now, the rest is a little bit of a blur. People came to
visit. I kept running from back and forth from Nana and Papa’s house where your
siblings were. I had to work. We finally came home and suddenly we were a
family of 5. Yikes!
And finally, some fatherly advise and wisdom. I am telling
you the same thing I told Elijah – I promise to try not to live my life through
you. There are many things I regret, mostly because I was too afraid to try.
Nothing serious mind you, but I wish to some extent that my life, mainly during
high school wasn’t so boring. So, Nolan don’t be afraid to try – don’t be
afraid to fail. It is in our failures that we learn and grow the most, as long
as we overcome. And that is the secret to this life – we must overcome; we fall
so we can learn to pick ourselves up. Ask out that beautiful girl you have a
crush on, get out of your comfort zone. What’s the worst that will happen? She
says no? Most girls are nice and will say yes. Just try. And if she says no,
who cares? It’s better to try and fail than to live in regret and wonder.
Lastly, remember that you are a son of our Heavenly Father.
You are divine. You are royal. You have a destiny to be something Great. I will
try to provide proper knowledge and guidance, but you must make your own
choices and own up to those choices and consequences. Face this world head-on.
Life is tough. It’s hard. But it’s worth it. And always know I am here for you,
no matter what. Also, know that Heavenly Father is there for you, no matter
what. He has made a path for you to reach your destiny and that is through His
Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. He has given us scripture, Prophets and Apostles,
and a Church to provide the way.
Nolan, I love you. You are sleeping next to me right now and
I could not be more proud to be your dad.
Love, Daddy
