35 years ago I became a dad. We went to bed in St. James, MO, on January 7, 1975, wondering, hoping, praying, that this would be the night.

It would be.

By Noon, Matt was patiently waiting on us, ready to come out, and so he met us at the Rolla, MO hospital. Cold outside, so warm within. Our little boy was here. The strong and stalwart Matthew, with the smile that could break a thousand hearts.

Our lives would never be the same from that moment; and the great great news is that Matt’s life and Tracey’s are about to change in the same way. And they will never be the same.

There is no greater phrase: “never be the same” when it points to the glory and joy of being a dad and a mom. Matt is going to be a wonderful dad because he has patience, gentleness, and kindness, and the melting kind of love in his eyes, all to share with his little girl everything that will make her feel secure, protected, and adored.

We adore our once upon a time little, now big, tall, and brave Matthew, and can’t wait to see him carry around that precious baby with pride and honor.

God is good. I remember those moments in Manhattan, Kansas when I would tell Matt a story in his room after we went through the alphabet on his toy chest with a flashlight identifying each letter, one by one. And now he has turned into a terrific and valued technical writer, creating the ABCs for documents and presentations that help people understand complexity and intricacy.

Here are some heart-tugging photos of Matthew Bruce Edwards that make me tearful in joy, remembering all at once the bountitul years of pleasure and fun and grace that he brings to us.

Matt and Gramps

Back to School in Austin: Sad

At Crim School

Bestest Toy Ever

The Hulk and Supergirl–Best Friends

With Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Edwards

Matt, Mary, Mom, and Dad

Brothers

Happy Birthday, Dear Son, Happy 35th!