journeys-page

This is my second Father’s Day as a Grandpa. More accurately, I am Pa Pa for our grandson, Connor Kelly O’Brien. When I first became a Dad, I was worried that I wasn’t ready. Then when Katie was born, they put her into my arms, and she looked straight through me with those big brown eyes. And I knew it didn’t matter if I was ready. I was Dad. I was responsible for nurturing and growing this little life into a bigger life. I love being a Dad. Some days I’m good at it. Some days I am not. And despite my fatherly failures, my kids have made it to full-fledged adulting. Becoming adult friends with my three humans who were once totally dependent on us parents to make it from sunrise to sunset has been wonderful. As Pa Pa, the pressure of responsibility for Connor’s daily survival is gone. As Pa Pa, I am responsible for smiles and giggles; for swings and horsey rides on my shins; for drumming with our hands on every flat surface. As Pa Pa, loving and cherishing come first. Survival and responsibility come second. Because I love and adore Connor’s Momma and Da Da, I have a double influence on him. My love filters down to him through his parents. Then it happens directly by my getting down on my knees, giving him all my attention, and responding to his every move. This Father’s Day, I thank God for the gift and life-long challenge of being a Dad. I also thank God for the extra thrill of being Pa Pa. Of course, part of being Pa Pa is that even though I am not directly responsible, I will now worry about his every step and breath for the rest of my life! Grace & Peace,