Well an entire dozen years has flown by for Paul. 12 years? Is it possible the infant I held just yesterday is now wearing shoes just 2 sizes less than mine? The only thing more surreal is the consummate gift of getting to be his dad.
Paul @ 12, © 2014, Abe Pachikara (Click for larger images)
Some observations:
I see glimpses of a much older person in him at times - like in this look above, and perhaps it is his words that imbue that interpretation. "I am going to be coder, definitely, when I grow up." This is less ethereal than "making a dinosaur factory" - an intent from 5 years ago.
Perhaps all the exposure to da Vinci has had an effect - he has an equal interest in art (loved a digital media option at school) and science (has demonstrated a steady interest in robotics).
The introvert in him is translating into an empath - he is very tuned into how others may react, and as example will casually turn to me and say, "I don't think that would be good to talk about right now".
He is reliable like the sunrise - I get a text each day between 3:00 and 3:03 saying "I'm home now."
He's still a very engaged sibling - Paul shows concern and genuine interest in Sidd's pursuits. The two can easily while away a day in long meandering conversations. “Connected siblings” is a deeply held goal of mine - I know too many people whose sibling relationships dilute over time, which is to lose the most precious of family heirlooms.
In a mere 6 years he will embark on new adventures such as college (if colleges are needed still) - -perhaps somewhere far away from my place of residence - - - and I for one am in no rush for that milestone. The last 12 years have been nothing if not remarkable. Needed is to triple my ability to savor the fleeting moments whizzing by me now.
Paul, Take 2, © 2014, Abe Pachikara (Click for larger images)
