Fathers And Sons

"Until you have a son of your own...you will never know the joy, the love beyond feeling that resonates in the heart of a father as he looks upon his son" Kent Nerburn, author

Yesterday was one of those days that truly filled my soul like no other.  Certainly, it was a busy day, filled with very enjoyable activities.  The morning was filled with a trip to Lawrence, Kan. to visit my oldest son at the University of Kansas.  We visited his fraternity's tailgate before the Kansas vs Texas Tech football game, and got a chance to visit with some of his fraternity brothers.  I am certainly very happy for him as he has found a great group of young men to associate with.  However, we did not stay for the game, as it was back to Kansas City to pick up my younger son and head off to Kauffman Stadium for Game 2 of the American League Championship Series.  The hometown Kansas City Royals rallied from a 3-0 deficit to post an impressive 6-3 victory! Finally, it was out to dinner after the game.

What made this day special for me was sharing it with my sons, especially the baseball game.  I wrote last week about a very special memory from my own past about a baseball game.  That memory was made possible by my Dad who was able to procure tickets to the game, and with whom I attended the game.  That meant the world to me, both as a young man and a father to two young men.  I knew I could not promise them such a special memory, but I knew I at least had to try!  And to see the joy on their faces as the Royals rallied for the victory was something I will never forget.  And to share our thoughts over dinner just put the cherry on top of an already wonderful day.  And the quote at the top came to life for me.

There is something truly unique about a father sharing his passions in life with his son(s).  In our house, it is sports.  For others, it may a passion for hunting, fishing, woodworking, music, or any number of other talents.  At the same time, few things in life bring as much joy as a father watching his son develop his own talents and passions in life.  I loved watching both boys play sports growing up, and I still get to see my younger son as he finishes his high school football days.  Of course, there are many frustrations and aggravations along the way.  Today, I simply choose to dwell on the joy my sons have brought into my life and what a blessing they are to me.


These days, I listen to my older son, when I get the chance, talk about his experiences at KU.  I realize he is a man now, learning to independently make his way in the world.  And I beam with pride and take great joy in his lessons and experiences.  I know that he will experience all the downs that life has to offer, but I also know that will experience great joy himself and learn to walk tall among men.  And my younger son is on the threshold of all this himself.  And I will take equal pride in his accomplishments as well.  And as a father, when I gaze upon my sons, I will take great joy and be overwhelmed with great love for these two young men.  They will truly fill my soul.

To the fathers who have only daughters, I would say the same thing.  Treasure all the beautiful joys and blessings your daughter has brought to your life.  For whether you have sons or daughters - or both - if you teach them well and spend time with them, they will fill your soul like no other.