Toastmasters Speech delivered on Tuesday, December 4th, 2018. “Harrison”.
Harrison
Harrison is an incredible human being.
He may be a little boy of nine, full of spunk and unbridled energy which never slows down but only crashes, to rise like the Phoenix each and every morning, but he means everything to me.
I would lay down my life for that little boy. There are not many people I can say that about and he didn’t do anything in particular to earn that honour. He is simply a beautiful boy and in turn makes me a better man. Fatherhood is something I never really dreamed of being or thought I ever wanted but now that I am, I can’t imagine being anything else to anyone else.
Harrison makes me infinitely better.
I have to watch what I say and how I say it. He came home recently an idea from another boy who made a killing off his parents with a swear jar and insisted that we do the same. I resisted as a matter of fun and we made a swear jar. It remains empty to his great disappointment.
Harrison is nine.
Born on October 14th, 2009.
I am amazed how curious and open and excited he is about everything.
But.
No one ever told me that children have self doubt. That they take the words of bullies to heart and that the words of a father don’t always make things better. They don’t seem to carry the same weight than the words on the playground, but they are powerful, none the less. Powerful if they are consistent over the years. Impactful if they speak from the heart. If they emerge from a person with character.
Harrison is an amazing little boy.
He still carries his studies and blankets with him. He moves them room to room. They are inseparable companions and I will be a little sad when he grows up and doesn’t think he is a little boy anymore.
I don’t want to gush over my son. I only want to celebrate his existence and Honour his life. I was very close to my mom and dad, doubly so being immigrants and facing some pretty ugly things. But being a father or a mother is nothing like being a son or daughter.
It’s a beautiful gift. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to watch a magnificent boy grow up and thankful that I can shape him just a little.
I love you Harrison.
I always will. Now and forever.