I have begun to build a relationship with my neighbor who is a contractor and just a good guy. We have been hanging out a bit as of late swapping “Daddy” stories. At 46, he has just become a father for the first time. His son is only six months old. It is so amazing the change that a child can make in a father’s heart and life. My friend began to share with me that he was watching a movie on t.v…. He had his son right next to him as he was watching the movie. A part of the movie came up where it dealt with a father fighting to spend time with his child. My friend was so moved during this scene that he literally began to shed some tears. He was looking at his son and telling him that he would never leave him and that he would always be there for him.Here we were…two grown men revealing ourselves to each other and sharing the impact that our children have had in our lives. It was wonderful! I am so thankful that my new friend and neighbor had the courage to go deep with me. I am a better man for it!

Every morning I watch our 15-month old so that my wife can get her much needed rest. This morning we went out to the front yard and I turned on the sprinklers to water the grass. We live somewhat in the hills so there are always birds, planes or helicopters flying around us and above us.

With every step and touch of a new plant or flower the “ahhhhs” begin to ooze from Ezrah’s tender lips. Then as the birds flew and the airplanes and helicopters roared the air was filled with a series of “ooohs”.

This morning was such a time of discover for my baby and I. His discoveries were the newness and sounds of life. My discoveries were the new ways that I saw Ezrah and the immense joy that he brought me this morning.

Gabriel

My family and I just spent the last week in Miami, Florida on vacation. I must say that it was such a wonderful, wonderful time. The weather was perfect, apart from a couple of rain showers. The activities…the beach…para-sailing…wave runners and scooting all over town on a scooter were also what made the time fantastic.

My wife, along with our baby, headed to Key West with a few of her girlfriends mid-week which left my 10-year old son and I to take on Miami by ourselves. Some of the most memorable moments for me was the one-on-one time that he and I shared and the “great” conversations that he and I had. I can tell you that he had me laughing on so many occasions! We had our times of conversations that had depth to them as well. My son is funny, insightful, creative, caring, daring and full of adventure.

I want to encourage the dads out there to get some one-on-one time with your kids and let them shine. You will be a better man for it.

I would love to hear some of your stories as well.

Best,

Gabriel

I wanted to share with you the poem that my ten year old son wrote for me. It is titled “A Portrait of My Dad!” I must say that I was greatly moved at my son’s descriptive writing. All I can say is that it “moved” me in the most wonderful way:

A Portrait of My Dad
by Julian Pelino

You dad are a hurricane moving excitedly, you have everything upon you. Your voice beats like a drum that never stops its loud beat.

A color? You are the dark blue of the mountain sky. You are a lion sleeping tiredly in the shade.

When I am with you I feel like an excited lightening bolt striking a tree.