Taking Flight

The Statue of Liberty in the background is as good a start as any to
a blog post dedicated to my son's departure for college.

Dear Son, The road to liberation has not been necessarily easy;
there have been a few bumps along the way.
But, for the most part, it's been a  wild, wonderful, glorious ride.

As you graduate to this next phase in life, remember you have a sister who adores you.

(Sister, while happy for you, will have an adjustment of her own this year.)

You have worked so hard to get here, the steps leading to what should
be some of the best times of your life.

I'm proud of you for so many things.

I cannot even begin to list them all.

Your grandmother (aka Nanny) was there when you took your first breath.

Your aunts couldn't love you more.

Grandaddy, after whom you were named, always says, "He's something else, that Sam."

Your family adores you, plain and simple. We're here for you no matter what.

And your mother, well, she thinks you're the sun, the moon and the stars.
Please try not to forget her.
Thank you.

Don't forget home, either.  There's no place like it--although right now all you need to know is it will always be here waiting for you if you ever need a safe haven, a soft pillow,
and unconditional love.

Congratulations on reaching this major milestone, you are entering one of the best stages of life.  

I can't say it  enough: I'm so proud of you and love you with all my heart.  

Always.