Petey Pablo On the Mic, What Would You Like?

Secret Agent Man is a difficult character to capture, photographically and otherwise...

Today my Paul Secret Agent Man is turning 23. This is a signinficant birthday in that it brings the removal of your children from your medical insurance, in most cases. It is one less way in which I can protect them any further. That is how life with children is...you are less and less able to interject yourself between them and the harsh realities of life.

Secret Agent Man and I have a relationship that is both complicated and very, very simple. Since he was a tiny boy, he has always been a rather private person. He does his thing, goes about his business, and I'm not sure anyone ever really knows what he is thinking. When I look at him now, as a man, I still see that little boy who competed fiercely, felt things deeply, and wields a surprisingly dry sense of humor. Because he is so private, I worry about him in ways that I don't worry about my other kids. At the same time, I do see that he appears to be happy with his life. He works full time now, still lives with his dad. His friends mostly seem to come to him and in fact many of them seem to be practically in residence, appearing at mealtimes and family gatherings. Secret Agent Man is a huge Lakers fan...he likes sports in general...a guy guy kind of guy :-) He and I like a lot of the same movies and music. We also share a propensity (a family thing, that I think I've mentioned before) for quoting lines from movies and considering that the height of hilarity and cleverness.

I can't imagine what life has in store for Secret Agent Man. I don't believe he's found his calling just yet. But I have no doubt that he is capable...bright and resourceful. I'd love to have a little more insight into what he is thinking, but he is his own person in a very deeply held way. So, our relationship is sometimes complicated by a certain reserve....but it is very, very simple in that he's my son and I love him from the bottom of my heart. Happy Birthday, Secret Agent Man.