My sons, both of them, are in love, each with a woman who’d make any dad proud.

The first time I met Nate’s girlfriend I dressed for the occasion and wore a tie that bears a collaged image of both boys when aged about 12 and 8. Thulani’s head resting on Nate’s and they both have broad smiles. I donned the tie with playful snarkiness declaring, with zero subtlety, exactly where Nate belongs.

Harli visited a few days later and won my heart. 

“Open it,” she said handing me a gift.

Treasure fell from the envelope. She’d re-produced the tie with updated images, my sons at 26 and 22, smiling as broadly from another necktie. 

On Fathers Day I woke to this text which I publish with Harli’s permission: 

“Happy Fathers Day, to a man I idolize. You welcomed me into your family with open arms and you single handedly raised two honest gentlemen that are so lucky and grateful to have you. I hope you enjoy your day!!”

The woman has no idea that my most ardent prayer for my sons was always that they learn how to love and that they be gentlemen.  

Thulani met Alaina over a year ago and has gone so far as to purchase a ring. Last Saturday he ordered roses to surround a spot near Bow Street Bridge in New York City’s Central Park. Out for a walk the couple walked by at some distance from the bridge and the flowers caught Alaina’s  attention.

“What if they were there for you,” he said.

On his knees, at the bridge, Thulani popped the question. Cameras rolled and the perfect moment of their shared joy was caught for all to see, you and me, and generations yet unborn. 

From there the couple headed to a restaurant where forty of their friends waited in a reserved private room to welcome them, and welcome them they did! 

Thulani coordinated all of this. 

Alaina knew none of it.

I talked with my daughter-to-be the day after the engagement and I got to feel some of her joy.

Yes, I am looking forward to the wedding. No date is yet set. I am looking forward to their complete fulfillment as husband and wife. Truth be told, I can hardly wait to have at least 5 or 6  grandchildren.

I have enjoyed the run up to this event, rehearsing with Thulani, his speech to request Alaina’s parents for her hand in marriage, the design and purchase of the rings, receiving a most gracious text from my son to declare how he had learned about love from how I have loved him…. 

But, my real joy goes even deeper than all of that, if that is possible. 

My sons are braver than I am.

Even deeper?

My sons have never known their mothers.

Their children will. 

Hallelujah.