When a toddler, going off to sleep at night, insisting that all of your teddy bears had to be lined up in a row on either side of you. Organised.

At three years old, the very first thing you ever asked us to buy you from a shop was a brush and shovel set. Practical.

At about five, we were building a gate one day, I had given up screwing in a difficult bolt and went in for a cup of tea. Ten minutes later, you came in having finished the job on your own. Perseverance.

Staying at Paua Hut, every couple of hours, you would announce you needed to cross the river and climb with me up to the top of Brown’s Track. Keen.

The only kid at school that the Principal had lost on a school trip in his forty-year career. Focused on what is in front of you.

Wiring up your room so you could instruct the lights to go on and off using the wireless network before it became routine. Innovative.

Doing the sound desk for assemblies and stage shows during your time at secondary school. Technical.

Being ‘totally into’ Seascouts and becoming a really great sailor. Skillful.

Exhausted in your team tent after absolutely rowing your heart out at Karapiro. Committed.

Doing debating and being willing to ask the first question in front of one hundred people (‘that’s a really interesting question’) at a presentation by the Papal Astronomer. Confident.

Walking with me at night in your last year of school feeling really down but then pushing through wonderfully when you left school. Resilient.

Going up country on road trips, you now driving me instead of the other way around. Great travelling companion. 

When walking in the hills, often stoping and saying: ‘This is really beautiful’. Sensitive.

A polite and wonderful conversationalist at dinner, so much so that others comment on it. Polite.

Getting amazing marks and recognition at engineering school. Extremely hard working.

Considered when discussing the complexities and state of the modern world. Thoughtful.

Always keeping in touch when away at university and telling us your latest news. Considerate.

And, lastly, being an absolutely wonderful, now 21 year-old son – just like my other four ‘kids’ – ABSOLUTELY PERFECT.