Tuesday, September 11, 2012

What I Want For My Son


A month ago today, my wife and I were blessed with the birth of our son. Happy and healthy, he's changed out lives, for the better. And, as I assume every parent has done at one point or another, I've tried to take stock of what I want for him as he goes through this life.

-I want him to be happy. To smile, joke and enjoy each day. I know there will be good days and bad days, but I don't want him miserable. I want him to find the silver lining. Going along with that, having my sense of humor wouldn't hurt.

-My wife's smarts and organization. Goes without saying, if he has those things, he's got a step up already.

-I want him to witness something historic. It seems particularly appropriate to talk about this today. In my lifetime, I've seen two space shuttle explosions, the Berlin Wall come down-along with the end of the Cold War. One of the worst terrorist attacks in history. The election of the first black President. An impeachment. Some moments I was able to comprehend, some I wasn't. Some I still haven't. But I'd like him to see something, and at that moment take the time to realize what he's seen.

-A world ruled more by logic, intelligence and critical thinking. One where the sound bite falls along the wayside, and people start to debate again. A listen to the whole debate.

-Love. I want him to find love. The love of friends. The love of family. The love of his life. The love of his dreams.

-Choices. I want my son to have options. And I want him to be able to make those decisions as an informed person.

-This post boils down to something very simple. I want him to have more good and bad. And the goods are great and the bads aren't all that bad.

Isn't that what we all want?

Good luck, Ben. I'll be here for you.



6 comments:

Anonymous-9 said...

Look how bright and alert he is at a month old!

buckmonday@sbcglobal.net said...

It can be done. Some 40 years ago my main thought was to keep my son from the drug culture that existed then. Very successful! Also to be his own man and be wary of the crowd. That part was hard, but done. Trust me, It Can Be Done!

Nick said...

Best of luck to him.

Anonymous said...

Dave, I've only been a step parent for four years, but it's the best job in the world.

Glad you get him for his whole childhood.

Graham Powell said...

It's the hardest job in the world, the most frustrating - and the most rewarding. Good luck Dave!

pattinase (abbott) said...

And you being there for him trumps every other concern.