My Guy

On April 28, 2008, I became a father for the second time when my son Nate was born. Today, he turns 18.

Eighteen feels different. It’s not just another birthday—it’s a marker. A moment where you look at this kid who once needed help tying his shoes and realize he’s getting ready to step out into the world on his own. Somewhere between then and now, the years sped up. I’m still trying to figure out how.

He’s been a great kid. The kind of son I’m proud of not just for what he does, but for who he is. Thoughtful. Funny. And someone who makes the people around him better just by being himself.

Nate’s always had his own rhythm. You see it in the things he loves, especially his music. I think his Spotify age last year was AARP eligible. Not many kids his age dive headfirst into David Bowie the way he has, but that’s Nate.

If I had to describe him in Bowie terms, I might say he’s a little “Changes” - quietly growing into something new. And to take a lyric from “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide”, as there’s a push towards independence and figuring things out on his own - yet there’s still that grounding truth: he’s supported, he’s loved, and he doesn’t have to carry everything by himself - “Oh no love, you’re not alone”.

So here it is, hand-picked by the birthday boy - Nate's Bowie Birthday Playlist - 18 songs to celebrate Nate on this special day.