Dear Ryan

Editor's note:  Rarely do I share family in my stories.  Today is one great exception.  Please join me in wishing our oldest son, Ryan, a happy 30th birthday.

Dear Ryan,

Congratulations!  You're on the 30-yard line of an amazing life today.  Behind you are what seems like a lifetime of memories.  Please pardon me for posting this letter publicly today.  I do believe in my heart that everything we do in life has some kind of ripple effect for others and this birthday message may help one or two readers out there.

Your entry into the world on this day, thirty years ago was a prelude to all the roller coaster adventures ahead.  36 hours of back-to-back labor is no easy task for any mother but you have an exceptional mother who will endure anything for her family.  You came out of the birth canal with both blue eyes wide open, scanning your new world like a cyborg from Battlestar Galactica.  At age 4 you could recite all the names of the San Diego Padres players.  In 6th grade, you launched your first business, supplying sodas to classmates.  I remember you telling me that you looked at the law banning the sale during school hours but found nothing in the regulations that prevented student-to-student transactions.  When new competition sprung up from other young entrepreneurs entering the market, you stepped up and started lugging around icepacks in your backpack along with candy bars to stay ahead.  Your first play as a linebacker for Ramona High School showed your fierceness.  That bone-crushing tackle stopped play and an ambulance was called.

You are a warrior, son.  You have surrounded yourself with amazing life-time friends.  When you followed us to Iowa, you brought some of them with you.  You gained all the necessary certificates to land your dream job in computer security.  You built your own mega-computer from scraps that rival new models sold in stores.  The world is at your fingertips.

The world in front of you will always be filled with surprises, like last night when I told you, "Surprise, you have Italian blood in your veins."  Your ancestors come from as far away as northern Europe and as distant as Peru, another surprise in our family genealogy.  Their spirit will always be with you as you journey through life.  Be bold.  Use all the gifts God has given you to make this world a better place.  Stay close to your siblings.  You're on the 30-yard line today.  Happy birthday.  We're thankful to have the opportunity to spend this special day with you.  Thank you for the countless blessings we received all these years as your parents.  We love you with all our hearts.  Have a great day.