A Special Day For A Special Boy

 Today is a special day. Today my son, David, has turned 14 years old.  He went to the "Y" today because they are going skating and he is pretty good at it, the staff has said.  I was able to tell him Happy Birthday and kiss him before his mother dropped him off this morning.  He clearly wanted to stay home but I had some errands to run on his behalf. 
 David was born to his mother and I in Fairbanks, Alaska and he and I have been inseparable ever since.  I have other children from previous marriages/relationships and sadly I have no relationship with any of them.  I cut David's cord in the delivery room and marveled at his beauty; this miracle of God.  My wife was 40 at the time and neither of us actually believed we would have another child but fortunately God said otherwise.  I remember when my family and I were out-processing from Alaska after my tour of duty had expired how I learned that I had been selected for the U. S. Army CSM (Command Sergeant Major) Academy.  It was a prestigious honor and one that I had aspired to attain during my military service, but I did not need to entertain the news of my selection for too long.  One look at my wife and son and I decided that I had enough of the military.  I no longer desired to spend time away from them training in field exercises, overseas, or deployed to some far away region fighting in wars.  At the time I had served nearly 24 years and I was also tired.  I looked a the young staff sergeant who gave me the news about the school; selection and said, "Where do I sign to decline?"  He laughed out loud as if I were joking.  I leaned forward and looked him directly in his eyes and said, "Do you see me laughing?"  He immediately straightened up and produced the paperwork for me to reject the offer.
 David was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3.  His mother recognized a certain "vagueness" in him and spoke to me about it but I denied any such thing.  I finally did submit to testing and will testify to this very day that I am thankful that my wife was willing to accept his condition for we were able to begin therapy for David at an early age.  Through God's blessing and great therapists, special needs teachers, loving family members, extended family and friends David has developed into a very capable and loving child.  He has certainly exceeded every despondent diagnosis placed upon him by the medical doctors.
 Eddrenna brought David home at 5:30 pm.  I had the dining room decorated with banners, balloons, Sponge Bob plates and napkins , (which he picked out at Walmart earlier this week), and his cake.  He blew out his candles after we sang Happy Birthday and even cut his own slice of cake.  Dinner was his favorite meal; KFC with macaroni & cheese.  David is not one to actually eat sweets but he took a ceremonial bite of his cake because he recognized that it was his.  We had an extra treat because my brother, Victor, his wife Jan and Little Vic Skyped us from Maryland to sing Happy Birthday to David. David doesn't know it yet, but Aunt Cynthia and Uncle Herb are going to Skype him from Memphis when they get home later this evening.  I am so thankful for my family. 
 I thank all of my friends and family that have called and sent gifts, (thank you Marlyce). My heart swells with nothing but love and appreciation on this day.  This special day for David.
 Have a great day. Love you all.
Dennis