Being a father both the toughest and most amazing job I’ve ever had.
Are there good days? Yep. Are there bad? Sure are! Is the effort worth it! Definitely!
Why do I say that? I’ve come to understand that everything I do adds to their personality, their life experience, and who they become. I’ve also come to realized that even if they don’t listen, they do watch, they do pay attention.
In many ways not what I say that matters, but rather how I act. While they may not have the patience, the focus, or know-how to grow, it is my responsibility to be there to fill the gaps, and to help them do the same. And while I want to do so much for them, I’ve got to let them be themselves, and as we work through things with a patient eye looking over their shoulders. I’ve got to be these very things for them as they grow, and in many ways, simply to be there for them when they need me.
I’m sure these boys will be telling stories about our escapades, both good and bad, long after I’m gone.
One of the things that I was proud to be part of was Noah’s regular Cub Scouts meeting a week or so ago. This was the second part of a two-part project where they were building a toolbox.
The first meeting involved staining wood … basically painting … and honestly, he wasn’t thrilled about it, but it got done.
The good thing about these toolboxes is the fact that they are designed for kids. There are only 6 parts, simple instructions, and holes were pre-drilled, so we just had to line the holes up and let the kids go at it.
After a brief introduction to various tools, Noah and I stepped over to our table and he grabbed two parts that he thought looked like would go together … the handle and one of the ends. It was as though he knew instinctively where they should go. I made sure they lined up properly and pressed a nail gently into the hole, he grabbed the hammer, and pounded it in in no time! Piece after piece, nail after nail, and within a matter of minutes pride erupted across the face of this 8-year old when he realized that he had just built his first project with very adult tools!
Simple as it was, it was his! It was the first project he’d completed, and he was ecstatic!! The pride and confidence he displayed in that moment was the most incredible thing I may have ever witnessed!!
I too was overwhelmed with joy, much like his first step, his first words, the first sentence he read, the first time he tied his own shoes. Watching this child grow is utterly incredible.
I regularly look forward to what’s next. Not just for Noah, but for Jacob as well. Growing up isn’t just a physical thing, it is an emotional one as well. One where new skills are learned, new ideas developed, new questions asked, new deeper questions as well.
Where will he run off to when he graduates High School in 10 years? What will he be doing in 20? I wish the time would slow down, Noah and Jacob both are growing way too fast. While still in single digits, I still want more time with them both!
But who knows. Years from now, when he’s on his own, he may look back on this day … they day we built a simple tool box together … and remember it quite fondly. He may be teaching the same thing to his own kids. He may continue to work with his hands, even if it’s doing little projects around the house.
I will never forget this day … Noah, I’m so proud of you! I love you more than you’ll ever know!
