I am truly blessed!

I started 2009 as one truly blessed husband and daddy. My eldest son Reuben from my first marriage is back from New Zealand (where he has migrated with his mommy) for his annual holiday. One of my biggest regret in my life is not being there when he grew up. I was too young, too engrossed in building my career and too inmatured. I was away most of the time and I truly missed all the hands-on experience in watching him grow. Suddenly, he stands before me, 17 years old, all grown up and taller than me! I thank God that he is still very very close to me despite meeting only once a year. This is my first of the many blessings in my life that I have not `lost' my eldest son as a result of my divorce.

With the arrival of Ryan, I was anxious as to how Reuben would react to his young step brother. I am blessed that Reuben has shown so much maturity and loves Ryan just like his little brother. We even got him to prepare Ryan's milk this afternoon and we really had a good laugh over it. What is amazing is that Ryan has also seemed to have taken a liking to Reuben, constantly seeking him out, smiling and inviting his elder brother to play with him. Seeing both of them playing together is priceless.

Finally, I have also worried about Reuben's reaction to my wife and how they would get along. But it seemed that my worries are unfounded. I noticed that Reuben has developed a close friendship with my wife. My wife has also grown to love him like her own eldest.

So, this new year, as we sat down together to have our meal and took the picture, I couldn't help but feel that I am the luckiest man alive and I am truly blessed!