Some things just come like that...

The years of our youth are when life is at its fullest; at least we think so at the time. We take risks, we are adventurous, and we feel invincible. This is a time when the choices we make will shape our future selves. I look back on my youth and think often about the choices I made. Could I have made better ones? Of course! I am sure we can all agree on that one.

Fast forward about 10 years into the future and I was preparing for marriage. Still like a youth, we took risks, we were adventurous, and we felt invincible. That lasted for almost two years until my wife told me she was pregnant with our first child. We were happy, excited, and then it hit me…this sh*t just got real! I don’t know how else to put it! That was the exact feeling I had!

On March 21, 1997 our son Jayden Soakai was born. What an awesome experience! So many thoughts rushed through my head. All of the insecurities of being a father rushed in and for the first time in my life, I felt scared and vulnerable. We’d been essentially free to do whatever and to go wherever up until that point.  

Fast forward 16 years later…March 21, 2013. Happy Birthday son! You (and of course your siblings) are and always will be the best things that have happened to us. However, today is our excuse to celebrate you. You have taught us much in your young years. It seems as if the things we talk to you about and try to teach you have already been programmed into your DNA. You are a mature 16 year-old and we are blessed because our Heavenly Father chose us to raise you. Good and Great are in your nature. A better term would be a Christ-like nature. You take after your mother. You are a great example and we are proud to call you our son.

Every father has the same wish for their children; a better life than our own. Life is full of great things and you deserve every one of them. When life gets tough, fight through it and keep pushing. You are a talented young man with the potential to achieve everything you desire. I like to believe that I have something to do with who you are and what you have become but I know it's not my credit to take; some things just come like that...

Enjoy your day, you deserve it.  Happy 16^th Birthday!

Ofa lahi atu, Dad.

PS. I know you can date and drive now but those discussions will take place off-line :)

Overcome. Achieve. Victory. IKUNA