Today is the birthday of my youngest son. He is nineteen years old.
Sam with his girlfriend Emily, January 2012
Sam is a freshman in college, exploring different subjects and possibilities, still not sure what he wants to major in.
This semester he is taking classes in Japanese language, world history, biology and writing. This is the time of life to look around, to wonder, to question. It is not an easy time. It is unsettling not to know what one’s purpose in life is, but it is also time of potential, freedom and limitless horizons.
I am so proud of my son. This has been a year of tremendous growth, discipline, self discovery and maturity. I delight in watching him look deep inside himself and discover the precious gifts hidden under the surface.
Since earliest childhood, Sam has been an excellent chess player. He inherited this talent from my father, a gift that has skipped over both my sister and me. Whenever Sam and his deda get together, the chessboard is taken out, and the two spend hours trying to outmaneuver each other’s moves.
Sam and his deda - January 2012
For many years, deda was in control of the chessboard. But this January, when the game took hold, he really had to pay attention. After Sam won a number of games, deda shook his hand and told him this, “Now I have an heir!”
The world is a complicated place, not always easy, not always kind. But I feel that my young man is ready for the glory and the challenges ahead.
Happy Birthday, dear son!
Срећан рођендан, мили сине!
Feliz cumpleaños, querido hijo!
