With a fresh baked cake half eaten, Aaron sat in his truck and offered to share. The cake was baked by Liz, a classmate. As if a gift from a girl could be as simple as that, just a gift, just a friend, just because she cared, just because he cared. "Are you sure she's not your girlfriend?" "Yes. She's a friend. Friends do those things, Dad." "Why isn't she your girlfriend?" "Because she's not Mrs. Right." "And you're MR. Right?" "Yes I Am." An arrogant attitude could be disguised as confidence, but a healthy sense of self worth comes out in a person's eyes. I saw character in Aaron's face and eyes. He had nothing to hide and I knew what I was missing in me.
Two days later I had the opportunity to reciprocate Aaron's gift. The opportunity was taken and I consider that my greatest accomplishment of my life. I told Aaron everything I admire about him, everything I have witnessed in his growth. For the first time, I acknowledged that I got it. My hypocrisy was what caused much of our conflict. I was trying to force an image of a personal reputation and my character was flawed. The reputation was phony and the character was apparent. In Aaron his character was unquestionable and he was letting go of his reputation. Aaron was so far down the road and I then knew there was much leg work to do for me.
Patrick is 19 now. Letting him know that I admire his humility and character is a simple pleasure of mine. Adult conversations with Aaron were cut short by my failure to acknowledge his maturity when he was 17 and then terminated by death just as I wised up. Patrick has the wisdom that comes from walking the roads less traveled and from keeping a clear and open mind. Aaron's gift to us is consequential. He helped me be the Dad I need to be when he and Patrick need me most. Aaron gave PT insight which Patrick has used to be the son I need him to be when I need him most.
Those are gifts that last.
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