This past Sunday was one of those bittersweet moments in my life. Another rite of passage that comes with having children, and watching them grow up....

It was more difficult for his Mom when Ben started making noise about moving out. She wanted him to stay at home, save his money, and finish his AA degree at the local community college. But I knew all to well the feelings of unrest, the yearning for independence, and the need to fly the nest. Plus, he had been dating Alex rather seriously for 6 months, and was rarely at home anyway.

So, he found an apartment over in Poulsbo (conveniently located near Alex), and moved out last Spring. Just recently, he started working construction with his buddy, Josh. Together they're building a new house for Josh's Dad - a really cool Octagon 3-Story, complete with an elevator! They start framing this week...

On Sunday, Ben invited everyone over to Alex's parent's house. Friends and family packed the room as Ben & Alex pulled up outside. As soon as they walked in the door, Ben dropped to his knee and proposed to Alex. It was a wonderfully romantic moment, shared with loved ones.

I am one of those Dads who has the rare privilege of calling his son his Best Friend. We share a very special bond that is a source of great joy and satisfaction for me.

I am proud of the man my son, Ben, has become, and I'm thrilled with woman who will become our daughter.

"Treasure the moments you have now. Time truly does pass faster than you think!"