Deep Thoughts With Jerry #18: Father's Day

Jerry asked me what he should write about today for his "deep thoughts" post, and I suggested that since Father's Day is coming up, he could write three things that he loves about being a dad. So here is Jerry...

Three things I love about being a dad:

1: Hanging out like a kid

When Katie used to be our family globetrotter, I would take the time off work to hang out with the kids. She would be gone for a weekend or even just a day or two once or maybe twice a year.

When the kids were really young we could make forts or a giant bed in the living room and watch movies and snack at night. During the day we would go play putt-putt golf, do the batting cages, and ride the go-carts. When it was time for bed they would fall asleep on my bed.

I have very fond memories of doing all these things, and it didn't seem like much at the time but it meant the world to me. Through the years, this has transformed into more individual things like fishing with Eli and disc golfing with Noah. When a new Star Wars or Marvel movie comes out we go to the theater opening weekend and watch it together. It's really become our thing. 

2: Giving advice, being supportive, helping them grow

I love sharing my life experiences with the kids. I almost feel like Jim's dad from 'American Pie'. I share everything with them that could help them in the future. It could be anything from relationship advice to what the workplace is really like, owning a home, to how to properly load a dishwasher. I like showing them things.

When they were little it was all about teaching them little things like chewing your food and how to catch and throw a baseball. Every little thing I did was teaching them something; they mimicked my every move.

Now that they've grown it's become less fun to show them things because it's none of the "fun" stuff. It's about being an adult. About paying taxes and getting real jobs and how to take care of a car and how to save money. However, it doesn't matter how old they are; I will always have something to show them, advice to give. I'm always here. 

3: Seeing them grow

My boys are the best. However, I always question if I should've done things differently with them. Always. They're at the point now where I just have to let them make their own decisions and hope that I did okay. From the time they were born I was in awe of watching them do the little things. And, it was amazing to see how their little personalities developed as they grew. 

NOAH: Noah had the squeakiest little voice and this laugh that reminded me of 'Bambi'. He was always so proud of his little achievements. As he got older he just seemed to take life in stride, he made things look easy and always seemed like he knows what he wants. He's thorough and tries to make informed decisions. He's truly a great kid. 

ELI: Eli has always been an individual. He had this super raspy voice when he was younger and this belly laugh that, still to this day, is incredibly infectious. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum and can be content to just be by himself with a fishing pole in the water. He has compassion and a heart of gold. 

Overall, I am so lucky to be their father. I've tried my best, maybe stumbled along the way. They are amazing young men. I couldn't be prouder of them and I'm excited to see what the future has in store for them.