On this day 25 years ago, at 2:08 am, our "Millionaire's Family" became complete. Maddison became a big sister, SuperMom Joyce had the two kids of her dreams, and I welcomed a little Mini Me. Keaton Lorne Porter came into the world a cherubic, bald, pumpkin-headed, ball of energy with an insatiable appetite. Bucking the trend, he actually gained weight in the first week of his life and resembled a Gerber's logo, prompting old ladies to swoon over his rolls and chunks. Luckily for him, the Michelin Man look would disappear with learning to walk, as he quickly adopted an Energizer Bunny persona ... He was BUSY!
Keaton is a rare mix of confident yet humble, caring yet quiet, friendly yet independent, driven yet content, aspiring yet satisfied. He rarely talks, unless he has something to say, keeping a good sense of humour a secret ... until he feels comfortable around you. He works passionately, diligently and is goal-driven, traits that have propelled him to achievements few dream of. He is a champion of injustice, prompting rare outbursts of heated anger. Although you wouldn't recognize it with your first impression, he has very high standards, striving to do his best work with consistency. He's a dog lover, but being highly pragmatic, has chosen to wait until he reaches a point in life where the timing works, because when he chooses to love, it's usually intensely. He is fiercely loyal, almost to a fault.
Through all of this quarter century, KP has enjoyed his fair share of success. He is Uber competitive, something he inherited from his crazy old man, filling his "memory box" with gold medals, championships, accolades and banners. As a parent, and a former varsity athlete (Go Gaels!), I couldn't be any prouder for him. One of his greatest traits, IMHO, is that he doesn't feel the need to wave those accomplishments in people's faces, but as a proud parent, I will tell you that the box is pretty darn impressive. The culmination, of course, was earning a spot on the U20 National Rugby Team, and were it not for concussions, he may have challenged for a spot on the men's side. These days his new passions take precedent, retreating into more individual personal fitness pursuits like a new found passion for tennis. He even wishes to venture into the world of cycling once the bike shops have more stock, a consequence of Covid-19 production woes ... What can I say other than "A chip off the ol' block!"
We've reached the point in our lives where KP is busy being KP, working diligently toward his mechanic's license and being a responsible member of society. I'm pleased to share that he's completed all of his apprenticeship and is now playing he waiting game with the province so he can get fully certified. Apparently they are hugely back-logged due to Covid issues. Since he is so busy with work, he doesn't make it home for visits as much as we'd prefer, but we totally understand why. He has become a better communicator, reaching out to check in more regularly now than when he was living under the same roof! Maturity being a wonderful thing, his priorities are slowly shifting to include his folks, even if it's a 30 second call. That would be a big grin on my face, in case you're wondering.
Joyce and I really can't believe that our "little" ones are now both 25+ and playing full-on adult. Keaton even joked about looking forward to telling his insurance company about his birthday so he could get the "adult" rate!
To coin a phrase from a childhood cherished book, "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be."
Happiest birthday wishes KP!
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