Humbled

Over the weekend, my son was playing with his trucks while I was smoking a cigar. His birthday was in a couple days and he had something to say…”What is it buddy?”

“Papa, I want gokart for my birthday. I don’t want a new one. I want one that we build together, piece by piece.” He looked at me as the tears started to develop and he asked what was wrong. I responded with, “I am happy.” He said, “Then why are you crying.” He came and gave me a hug and said “best friends forever.”

Hands down, top ten moment in my life.

After a couple days of pondering this life altering conversation, I realized that this was something that I didn’t have growing up…a father who was in my life. My family mean the world to me. Of course I want them to have the things that I didn’t have, however, we moderate that as I don’t want entitled children.

I want my children to be better than me. Each and every one of them. How can we as parents do that? By letting them fail, fall and lose. Let them try new things. Keep a positive outlook and motivate them.

The answers to many of life’s questions continue to elude me. However, I do know that through handwork and positive attitude we can accomplish everything.

I know nothing about the workings of a gokart let alone an engine. But I am ready to try and fail if need be. We will persevere and this little one will get his gokart. And I will get what I want…time with my children.