My oldest son, Jaxon, is 14. About 13 years ago my wife Amy and I sat down to ask a pair of friends of ours if they would do us the favor of being his godparents. Stephanie and Adam were overjoyed and honored us with their acceptance. I knew in my heart of hearts that they would have an open ear to my son if he ever needed guidance or just someone to talk to outside of his parents. I waited with such anticipation for Stephanie and Adam to one day have a son or daughter of their own. Unfortunately there are some couples that have a more difficult time conceiving. I know this had to be a painful time in their lives but God had another plan for Adam and Steph. Thousands of miles away there was a little boy who was waiting for them. His name was Landon and he was destined to have the most loving and caring parents a child could ever wish for. In turn Landon would give Adam and Steph the gift of parenthood and the priceless opportunity to share their love.
Its been a little over two years since Landon changed their lives and they for him. During this time I know that Adam has wanted nothing but the best for his son. The same he would want and provide for my own son if I was not around. This is why I was so moved today while at work. I looked down at my phone to see a text from my dear friend simply stating “And it begins” preceded by a pic of Landon standing in a fresh GI with a white belt being tied around his waist. Adam knows what many of us feel. We want the best for our children. We want them to grow confident and strong. We want them to learn to face challenges head on and get up after being knocked down. But desire is not enough. Confidence is earned. Tenacity is grown. Yes a rare few are born different but for the vast majority of us the road to growth is birthed from struggles, victories and failures.
I don’t know how long Landon will continue to practice BJJ. It may and hopefully will become a lifelong passion but if it doesn’t, every moment that he spends on the mats will be lessons he will carry with him for the rest of his life. And I am sure that the next pic Adam will send me will not be that of a belt promotion but one of him in a brand new GI with a white belt standing next to his son. Every time we give a gift it seems that we receive one back.