“Celebrating 21 years of pride and growth, with a clear head and a full heart—choosing love over excitement, tradition over temptation.”

An honest confession: I haven’t always been a dull man. In fact, I like to think that my dullness truly began about 15 years ago when I made the decision to quit drinking alcohol. Before that, I lived a more unpredictable, less measured life. However, the clarity I gained from stepping away from alcohol has shaped me into the person I am today—a man who values a calm, steady existence. Over the years, I’ve grown increasingly content with this simpler, more focused way of being. Today, as I reflect on my son’s 21st birthday, I realize how much work it may take to stay true to my dull persona. In a way, this birthday represents a milestone, not just for my son but for me as well. I had once bought a bottle of whisky on the day of his birth, with the intention of opening it together on this special occasion. I envisioned taking a single shot with him, marking the moment in a way that both acknowledged his adulthood and symbolized my own journey.

But as the day approached, I felt the weight of the situation and the excitement it would bring, especially seeing how this moment would be celebrated by those around us. It made me question how a truly dull man, one who doesn’t chase after excitement or indulge in temporary pleasures, would respond. In that moment of reflection, I thought of how I’ve seen others in my life handle such occasions with exuberance, and I realized that my path would be different. Rather than taking that shot, I decided to hug my son, tell him how proud I am of him, and embrace the joy of the day through love and support—not through the rush of alcohol. I would remain the steady, calm figure in the background, watching as others enjoy their drinks while I maintain my “dull” but deliberate course. This isn’t about a lack of excitement—it’s about staying true to myself, to the peace I’ve found in sobriety, and to the quiet joy of being a father who can celebrate without needing to participate in the usual rituals. My journey over the past 15 years has taught me that real fulfillment doesn’t come from chasing thrills, but from embracing the quiet moments, the

meaningful connections, and the pride in seeing my son become the man he is today. So today, I’ll continue to be the man I’ve become, not with a drink in hand, but with love in my heart.