Outline

There was a time when everything changed. I know this sounds like the start of an epic story, and in some ways it is.
This had been building up for the past year in a variety of ways. Building up like the methodical preparation to fling oneself out of a plane.
Completely prepared and wholy-crap-am-I-un-prepared all at same time.
I used to joke that in that moment I traded in my masculinity, but I was young then. Now I see, what I got was a bigger, much more tempered dose of masculinity.
One that I could identify with.
One that didn't depend on monster trucks. And wood chopping.
Which is good. Because I am horrible at it.
This moment is when we first looked into each-others eyes. I was one of the first people you saw.
I stood there, staring into your eyes, watching your consciousness open up like a flower.
I knew that you would be someone I could look up into the sky with, and share the wonderful mysteries of the universe with.
As I held you I made that cliche promise that every father-in-the-movies makes.
To be there for you. To protect you.
But I didn't stop there. I made the promise to let you go.
When you take those first steps, to let you go so you can run all on your own.
So now you are on the cusp of taking that next step in your journey, and I cannot even begin to describe how proud I am of you.
I don't know what the next 10 years will bring.
But I will be here for you.
I will protect you when you need it.
Pick you back up when you fall and need help getting up.
But I promise to let you fly when you are able.
I've got your back,
No go forward and conquer the world!