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"Sure is a beautiful day Daddy!"

We're attending a conference at an Idaho mountain resort, and I had a couple free hours one afternoon to spend with Heather and Ethan. Sometimes when Ethan and I are alone, he will say "Sure is a beautiful day Daddy!" Last night I read a blog posting of a friend who has a child graduating from high school, and she reprinted an old poem called "Hold Fast the Summer" by Mary W. Abel. I read it having just spent a glorious day with my 3 year old son who continues to be excited about his emerging world. As I read the poem, I couldn't help but think "Sure is a beautiful day, Ethan." Here's the poem:

"Hold fast the summer. It is the beauty of the day and all it contains.The laughter and work and finally the sleep. The quiet.Oh September, do not put your weight upon my mind.For I know he will be going. This son of mine who is now a man -- he must go.Time will lace my thoughts with joyous years. The walls will echo his 'Hello.'His caring will be around each corner.His tears will be tucked into our memory book.Life calls him beyond our reach -- to different walls.New faces, shiny halls, shy smiles, many places.Greater learning -- he must go.But wait, before he leaves, be sure he knows you love him.Hide the lump in your throat as you hug him.He will soon be home again -- but he will be different.The little boy will have disappeared.How I wished I could take September and shake it, for it came too soon.I must look to the beauty of each new day, and silently give thanks."

I miss him already.
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