There was a time in your life that you were totally dependent on me for nourishment and shelter.

There was a time in your life that you stopped crying and burst into a smile the minute I walked into your room.

There was a time in your life that you wanted nothing more than to sit in my lap and read a Sesame Street book.

There was a time in your life when you wanted to marry Cinderella and we were all going to live together in her castle.

There was a time in your life when you needed me to tie your shoes…and then you didn’t.

There was a time in your life where you were the proudest big brother ever and introduced everyone to your baby.

There was a time in your life when your nickname was “Bugs” and I can’t remember why.

There was a time in your life when I willingly took you to see a Pokemon movie.

There was a time in your life when we spent forever culling through the toy store shelves to find a Lego model that you hadn’t yet built.

This is the time in your life, sitting across the kitchen table, still sweaty from football practice wearing a ripped muscle T-shirt and chugging chocolate milk, when I am in awe of the young man you have become.