“When it comes to having kids, don’t worry about it. It’ll be a hopeless cause for you.”

These were the words of the specialist to me two years before I got married. I remember joking with my wife that if she ever got pregnant and it was a boy, we’d have to name him after St. Jude—the patron saint of hopeless causes.

After going through many routes, I’ll never forget the morning the stick turned blue.

Like any man who just found out he was going to be a dad, I got very excited… then panicked… then hyper-ventilated.

NOTHING can prepare you for being a parent.

After two days in labor, our hopeless cause arrived safely and healthy.

Then I learned “sleeping like a baby” meant waking up every 2-3 hours screaming about something.

We spent a lot of time going for car rides and very long walks. My coffee consumption went through the roof.

I also learned what every parent knows, but can’t explain. The love a parent has for their child is beyond words.

He amazes me with what he learns every day.

Someone told me with kids that the days were long, but the years were short.

My little Jude turns four today and I do wonder where the years went. I know that I’ll turn around tomorrow and he’ll be 14… then 24… and I’ll still remember the first moment I held him.

Your dad loves you very much.

Happy Birthday buddy!