Getting old in the pumpkin patch.

Yup, today was one of THOSE days.  You know those days, where it is as if you suddenly woke up to the realization "I'm older".

We were taking pictures of our boys at a local pumpkin merchant when my wife mentioned something to the effect of "Yeah, he'll be 7 years old soon."

My brain fired immediately, "I'm not old enough to have a 7 year old!"  You sure are Topher, you sure are.

I was reminded his mature age a little while later when a honey bee flew up into his shirt.  He saw it happen and told us so without panicking, but in a matter-of-factly way.  As I was hunting down the bee, it stung him, right on the front of his rib cage.  Gabriel didn't jump, dance, cry, or whine but simply said, "Owww, that hurt."

Whatever happened to "Daddy, please kiss my booboo?"  When did I get old enough to have a kid that takes bee stings like a man?  Surely, I'm not that old!  The red welt combined with his nonchalant attitude reminded me: you sure are Topher, you sure are.  

Later in the evening my son would remind me that I am indeed old enough.  While riding in the car I was still lamenting this sudden new reality and said, "Gabriel, I can't believe you're almost 7 years old."  His reply was one better as he said, "Dad, I can't believe you're almost 35 years old!"  You sure are Topher, you sure are.

Yet I'm not going to sit here and cry about it.  I'm going to enjoy the short time I have left with him as

a kid.  I'm going to continue to impart as much wisdom in him for as long as he'll take it.  I'm going to continue showing him some of the greatest blessings in life by living for His eternal God.  Then I'm also going to pray that when the time comes, I have the strength, faith, and courage to turn him loose.

Lord, give me the wisdom and energy to use the little time I've got with them to mold them, move them, and love them.  Amen.  

To view the rest of the pumpkin patch photos, click here.