Parker Pipes in

A few weeks back Julie encouraged me to write of my feelings for my children for posterity sake, here goes:

My young son Easton, from the moment I witnessed your big eyes staring at me wrapped in your first blanket I have considered you my angel. I think of you as miracle from god helping me to see that despite all the evil, death, pain, and misery witnessed that there is light, there is hope projected from Him, through you, unto me each day. I swore to raise you to be honest, righteous, kind, smart, and proud of who you are. You have so much strength. When I was your age my mother's friends would often tell her that I was the "angriest boy" they had ever seen. I thank god that you are kind and unselfish in your love, you have blessed me forever and I will always protect you and love you with all my heart.

Keagan, you are, with the exception of your mother, the prettiest girl I have ever seen, for the first few months you were with us I had a hard time being close and emotional with you, you seemed so soft and delicate (like a flower in full bloom). I, being who I am, wasn't sure how to treat something so pure, you intimated me. I have been in countless confrontations, I almost never hold my opinions in, and have only been intimidated by two other people (your mother, and Buddy) in my whole life, you scared me. Then one day, you leaned your soft head on my shoulder, your little hand resting on my chest over my thumping heart, your eyes looked up at me and projected a faint smile of peace and safety. I cried a singular tear, kissed your head and knew that you were mine. I will always protect you, you will never have to fear anything or anybody, I will always honor your mother who loves us all so much, and make sure that when you grow up, the man you marry honors these same commitments.

To both of my children, I love you very much. Please, love one another.