100%. I have a 27 year old son that has surpassed his dad in rank as a Marine and already been meritoriously promoted to SSGT of Marines. Myself and my dad were both SGT’s before getting out so he has definitely earned his stripes. Love watching the man he has become. Great post. Definitely a journey I wanted to see and be a part of with him.
Indeed it does go quickly. I was reminded of what Jordan Speith’s dad said when asked how proud he was when his son won the Masters. His reply, “I’m more proud of the person he has become.” That is the mark of an intentional parent.
As a father in the early innings of raising young men and women (3-10 years old now), this is great to see! One of the top personality traits I try to instill is resilience, but its also hard to maintain myself when the days seem too short to fit one more thing in so I appreciate the inspiration. I have followed you since your days on LI and even bought your first (only?) book which I also thought was great! Would love to see another one as part of your effort to restore sanity to the world.
I appreciate you sharing your life and your "feelings". Guys usually stay away from those, but the struggle is real when it comes to letting your kids go. I have been cheering in the stands or coaching on the sidelines or infield since about 2010. So, the same early morning practices, road trips, etc. And now, my youngest is now 21, runs T&F in college, living on his own, figuring it out, and Momma and I are watching from afar. We have had to reinvent ourselves now that all 3 kids have their own lives and we aren't neck deep in their everyday lives. Initially, we looked at each other and said "How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back?" (Frodo, LOTR). We are slowly figuring out this new life. I think we're gonna be OK. Thanks for sharing, DRW - you're helping other guys get in touch with their feelings - and that's OK.
100%. I have a 27 year old son that has surpassed his dad in rank as a Marine and already been meritoriously promoted to SSGT of Marines. Myself and my dad were both SGT’s before getting out so he has definitely earned his stripes. Love watching the man he has become. Great post. Definitely a journey I wanted to see and be a part of with him.
Indeed it does go quickly. I was reminded of what Jordan Speith’s dad said when asked how proud he was when his son won the Masters. His reply, “I’m more proud of the person he has become.” That is the mark of an intentional parent.
As a father in the early innings of raising young men and women (3-10 years old now), this is great to see! One of the top personality traits I try to instill is resilience, but its also hard to maintain myself when the days seem too short to fit one more thing in so I appreciate the inspiration. I have followed you since your days on LI and even bought your first (only?) book which I also thought was great! Would love to see another one as part of your effort to restore sanity to the world.
Great post David. You have imparted your tenacity and helped to grow up 2 young men with promising futures in front of them.
It reminds me of your junior squash days. We went to many tournaments and played in a few as well. You always seemed to outwork your opponent.
Appreciate it. It’s been a fun journey!
Amen to all of it. We raise them to be independent, then when they are it makes us both proud and sad.
Fantastic post David - one of your best
I appreciate you sharing your life and your "feelings". Guys usually stay away from those, but the struggle is real when it comes to letting your kids go. I have been cheering in the stands or coaching on the sidelines or infield since about 2010. So, the same early morning practices, road trips, etc. And now, my youngest is now 21, runs T&F in college, living on his own, figuring it out, and Momma and I are watching from afar. We have had to reinvent ourselves now that all 3 kids have their own lives and we aren't neck deep in their everyday lives. Initially, we looked at each other and said "How do you pick up the threads of an old life? How do you go on, when in your heart you begin to understand... there is no going back?" (Frodo, LOTR). We are slowly figuring out this new life. I think we're gonna be OK. Thanks for sharing, DRW - you're helping other guys get in touch with their feelings - and that's OK.
Damn, yeah this hit home. One son off to college 2 other kids in the thick of morning practices and “endless” travel.
Great perspective on the long game we are playing here.