about 6-7 years ago i went to a dave matthews concert with paul and a wonderful friend of our’s, patrick. keep in mind paul is 6 ft 6 and patrick is about the same. when paul and patrick go anywhere together, people watch them. people turn. people stare. and then i (and patrick’s wife, amber) watch as the people staring sort through in their minds whether or not they should ask paul and patrick for their autograph, wondering if they are famous athletes.

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one time, paul and patrick went to pick up patrick’s dog (a long-haired chihuahua) from the vet. together. they had been out grabbing a sandwich or something, and patrick realized he needed to get the dog from the vet. but they both go in to get the dog. together. picture that. two enormous 25 year old men walking out of a vet with a teeny long-haired chihuahua. they still laugh at themselves for walking out of the vet that day looking like two of the biggest gay athletes that ever existed.

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so… the three of us are at the dave matthew’s concert (circa 2002), 1/2 drunk like most everyone who goes to a dave matthew’s concert and sits out on the lawn. the show is great, and then it gets to the encore… the encore… the part of the concert i have been waiting for. because i know what he’s going to play. and my heart breaks as the song begins.

the guitar strums, the bass joins, and all is lost. the tears are streaming down my face, and i am lost in the moment.

Celebrate we will
Because life is short but sweet for certain
Were climbing two by two
To be sure these days continue,
These things we cannot change

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one of my brother’s childhood friends died a little over 8 years ago of a brain aneurysm. he was 16 years old. he was the biggest dmb fan i have ever known, to this day. and “two step” was his favorite dave song. i can’t listen to that song without crying my eyes out (and i know those of you reading this who knew pat and love him still feel the same).

jackson took 4 steps today. 4. and they were awesome. he has been toddling here and there for a while now, but this was different. these 4 steps were unassisted. all him.

and i thought of the refrain to dave matthew’s “two step” this afternoon, as i have reflected on my son’s accomplishment for the day. and i’m celebrating…

Celebrate we will
Because life is short but sweet for certain
Were climbing two by two
To be sure these days continue,
These things we cannot change