AUBURN — Those unforgettable days of watching our child build castles out of dirt in our backyard garden or design imposing warships out of Legos have passed forever.
When Anthony Philip Blasi turned 18 on Tuesday, July 8, 2014, the little boy, who roamed the beaches and lakes of New England and made every day special for us, gave way to a young man whose integrity and honesty remain beyond reproach.
So far so good!
He has made it easy for us because he has kept his head on straight and is at this very moment planning a promising future.
Life doesn't get any better than raising a child who has enriched his parents' lives. Child rearing is the show that never ends and is a lifetime commitment that comes with a great deal of perks.
I will always miss the toddler who gave us a reason to get up each morning. But that long metamorphosis, when a child becomes a young man, is the greatest journey for all parents who give a damn about their kid.
His interests have become my interests, and because he is a good student and a smart guy, conversation with him has always enlightened me.
My wife has had a lot to do with Anthony's easy-doing demeanor and compassion for other people. They have a mutual respect and found a way to tolerate me.
Now that does take patience.
The good books
There are several huge, three-ring binders containing papers, letters, maps, programs, tickets and awards highlighting his numerous accomplishments from kindergarten through high school on a bookshelf in my room
Every so often, I enter another page of my son's life in these sacred binders, which are not scrap books.
A good friend at the Sun Journal – Heather McCarthy – gave me the idea of archiving my son's history on paper.
Forget the damn computer. I wanted to leave a paper trail and help him remember that his parents really loved him.
I couldn't keep all his watershed moments, but the best of the best have been inserted in these binders, which are thick with great memories.
Two years ago, the three of us walked the decks of mighty Big Mamie – the U.S.S. Massachusetts, which fought throughout World War II. He was a sophomore, and a year later, we headed to Philadelphia to tour the U.S.S. Olympia, which fought during the Spanish American War.
And now he is talking about being a reservist in the U.S. Navy as well as attending Maine Maritime, Temple or Bowdoin College.
I often ask myself where the hell did 18 spectacular and rewarding years go, and then there are moments where I want my toddler back playing with his toys in the living room.
It is difficult letting the little boy disappear, but what I get in return is one helluva a young man whose smile continues to give me hope.
Today will be cake, going out to lunch and a few modest presents.
And so the journey with Anthony continues, and I can't wait to see where his next adventure takes us, because, we'll be right there for him.
Happy birthday, son! Thank you for 18 wonderful years.
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