Sweet boy

April in Atlanta is glorious.

April 10, 1981 was a particularly glorious day.

Sky so blue and pure.

Azaleas and dogwoods exploding with color and joy.

And I was a new papa.

A big, healthy 9 pound 10 ounce baby boy.

I remember driving thru Atlanta that afternoon and having the thought, "Why isn't everyone applauding? Don't they know what just happened? The most perfect baby ever was just born. And he is MY son."

I think every new daddy has those feelings.

The miracle of new life and the excitement of fatherhood is overwhelming.

It finally occurred to me that other folks had experienced the same thing.

But on that day, I knew something special had happened.

Named for his grandpas, Peter Haskell Burks was born 29 years ago today.

He made life better for all that knew him. And for thousands more who didn't, he touched them in a special way.

Happy birthday, sweet boy.

Thanks for letting me be your dad.