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There is a distinct emotion a parent, whether father or mother, feel when they first see their child become their own person. Maybe it's when they graduate, maybe it's when they get married or have a child of their own. For me, it was when I realized my son was very much like me, but thankfully, so much different than I had ever been. He possesses a calm, a certain even keeled outlook on life that I have never mastered. It is not exactly an overriding confidence but more of an unyielding faith that his steps will follow the intended path due to his patience and reservedness.

As a toddler Joe was the toddler that would focus his stare on the other children traversing the slide and swings before he would even begin to walk in their direction, almost as if he were analyzing the risk and benefit of each situation. Slowly, he'd edge his way over and within minutes he'd be comfortably, although awkwardly, playing and laughing. He would journey up and down the stairs at home on his rear instead of on all fours, as if to makes sure he always saw what was coming, what was ahead of him. Cautious, selective, and exacting...these have always defined the manner in which he approaches situations, both trivial and important.