Daddin': The Verb of Being a Dad

…and I look at both my career and life plans differently.

Granddaughter (and grandbaby) number four arrived on May 15.  Coming in at nine pounds, two ounces, she might have been able to walk out of her mom’s womb.  Within an hour, she would pop her eyes open as if wanting to see all these funny things (people) who came together (family) to await her arrival.  The group was not large, but the heart was.

As we waited for her arrival, her sisters played in the waiting area while chowing down on double stuff Oreos and Rice Krispie treats.  I watched them play, listened to their laughter and witnessed their relationships develop.  I cannot be a casual, occasional observer to those changes, but I can’t live under the freeway overpass either.  There are plenty of options between those two positions.

The grandgirls, and those who follow, need to ride on my shoulders, takey horsey rides on my knees, listen to stories of their great grandparents and so much more.  I also hope they have growing-up experiences at the Walden I am trying to develop.

Anneliese Rose arrived, just as thousands of others did.  She became another element in the lens through which I see my life and purpose.