Everyday I catch myself thinking “I have to remember this…” Sam is growing up so fast, it’s hard to retain it all. I’m starting a list of phrases, images and thoughts that I want to make sure I retain. I’ll update it whenever something new comes to mind.

• Breathing through his nose when focused on a task…
• grasping my fingers when bottling down…
• his smile when he learned to stand…
• commando crawling…
• nite-nite taps…
• pointing at his guitar…
• giving sloppy kisses…
• standing while he nursed…
• last peek-a-boo shhhhhhh…
• where’s the ******?
• baby-bread position…
• coffee run naps…
• turtle, crabby and octopus…
• the mess we leave at Cracker Barrel…
• first ouchee with teeth on the bus…

With 27 pounds, 8 words, four teeth, and immeasurable joy to his parents accomplished, Sam is approaching his first birthday. I’m constantly surprised at how fast this is going.

To say his value to my life is unprecedented would be a pale understatement.

The brilliance of an uncluttered mind is so refreshing. His sense of life projects a contagious reminder of the world as it should and ought to be.  If only the high from him looking me square in the eyes and smiling could be bottled and sold.*

I wish every human could enjoy that perfectly seasoned mixture of life, joy, purity, honesty, and the sense of pride that connects it all. Doubtless the bonds we share with our spouse or family members are sacred and intense. On an entirely different level are the bonds held with a human whose expressions can be nearly felt, whose glance so resembles our other half, whose mannerisms are so acutely familiar, and who existence wholly depends on our rationality. In a sense I consider it me that I’m caring for, that it’s my legs learning to walk, or that it’s my security and comfort he clings for.  I protect his being with no less intensity than I protect my own - likely more.

His first year of life has been the most cherished, productive and memorable of my own.

* Too bad it would take 10 years and 80 million to slog through the FDA.

Black Friday is the newly hip name for the massive day-after-thanksgiving shopping frenzy in America. One of the single most lucrative days in our economy is an extravagant display of the remnants of our Capitalist economy. It’s a celebration of disposable-income and the unyielding willpower to dispose of it. This is a celebration of the true beauty of America - the ability, sanctity and results of individual thought and action.

Game consoles, HDTVs, and jeans from GAP — all trophies for nearly 145 million free individuals enjoying the fruits of their labor.

The origin of Black Friday comes from the shift to profitability during the holiday season, when retailers depart from the red into the glorious blackness of profit.

Please remember to celebrate two holidays this week. Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on those who mean the most to you, and Black Friday, a time to champion Capitalism and pump even more money into our thriving economy.