Another Blog-spot by Dad…what is this writing world coming
to…Alyssa?
Toby, some might say that you are an old-soul. I would agree with this statement, but I am
going to make an effort to get you to realize the importance of this. Every time we say this, we laugh a little,
but you need to know that this is something that we are very proud of, in you, everyday.
Eleven years ago, I watched you nearly die in a hospital in
Orillia. The doctor had told us that one
of the things that seemed to keep his SATs up was my singing. Alyssa said that I needed to be strong, go
back to your bedside, and sing to you.
The problem was that I would start singing and then think about how much
I was going to miss enjoying time with you later in life, if you didn’t make it. I didn’t know what I was going to do with
myself. Then I would start to cry, which
would prevent me from singing. Talk
about momentous moments that make you who you are. The good news is that you made it through
that near-death experience…and you are who you are because of it…and I have the
same emotions rise in me today, when I watch you do so many things…except this
time, they are tears of elation!
This year in hockey, the season was not much to get excited
about, but you were a joy to watch. I would
watch you get your hands on the puck in your own zone. You would make a move to your left or right and
everyone would think that you were going to cough up the puck…BUT, all of a
sudden, the atmosphere would change. You
would dart past one defensive skater, then the next…it was a marvel to
watch. Just when I was sure that you would
have taken the puck too deep into the offensive zone, you would swing in
towards the goalie like you were on a mission, and make an amazing upper cut
shot over the goalie. Everyone would cheer. At the same time, no one would notice, but I
would have tears in my eyes because in that moment, I was not just proud, I was
just plain lucky to have you in my life.
The passion in you, Toby, is something that only seemed to show up later
in life for me. Never give this up, in
anything that you do! It is so
incredible to watch every day.
As you turn 12, you are also beginning to accept the humour
in laughing at yourself. Alyssa is very
good at this…I have needed to do some personal learning in this realm, but you
are getting the hang of it pretty quickly…especially about your
inequities. For example, you are nearly
a teenager, and you still cannot get all of the food from your plate to your
mouth without it getting all over your face, shirt, floor, and counter. Thank God you have accepting parents! We have learned to accept this fault in you,
but we are a little concerned about your first dating experience. The girl that you date may not appreciate having
to say in the middle of the evening, “You have a little pasta sauce on your shirt…and
cheek…and wrist…think you may have dropped some on your pants too…oh, and wait
one second (right before you kiss her), there is a little piece of pasta in
your long flowing hair.” Wow, what an
experience that may be for you.
Of course, you have become more curious about the idea of
dating. I don’t think that you are keen
to have a date yet, but Alyssa and I both appreciate being asked about our
first dating experiences separately.
Alyssa was cornered in the car and I was cornered at the Brier, and yes,
we shared our own personal stories. One
day you will share your own, hopefully with us…it is coming!
The final piece, for me, in your 12th year is the
fact that you have a sister that you would never admit to caring for, but you
are always thoughtful and willing to connect with her. We know that she drives you crazy sometimes and
wants to monopolize every moment of your time, but you do love her to pieces. These are the circumstances that I know you
are learning to appreciate others, treat others with respect, and give someone
the time that they deserve. In other
words, you are learning a great deal of patience and amazing life lessons, all
because of your sister. Who would have
thought?
In simple terms, your old soul translates into a passionate,
honest, kind, and loving young man who can appreciate the humour that life
throws you. Keep on this track of life,
and you will not only continue to make your family proud of you. You will make so many people feel as though
they are just lucky to know Toby Henry.
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