Lucky Man

Being an older father obviously has many challenges. But there is nothing I could ever do that is more rewarding.

When I reached 40, I was fairly sure I would never get married, let alone have children. But had I stayed on that path, I would have missed out on innumerable events, both large and small.

In the case of Jackson Wyatt Lockard, I would have missed experiencing:

· his voracious appetite for learning, as well as for lunch and ketchup
· his running into the icy cold water of the Atlantic Ocean with no fear
· his facing of major surgery, also with no fear
· his defensive prowess and dominance in flag football
· his endless patience with his little sister
· his growing comfort and confidence every day in school
· his constant wiggling of a loose front tooth
· his appreciation of fire trucks, ambulances and “Highway Patrol”

· his overwhelming enthusiasm for life
· his staggering capacity for love coupled with unlimited amounts of hugs

Jack turns 7 tomorrow, and at the moment he wants nothing more than to have his dad (or mom) buy a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck. I’m not really sure why, he just does.

That goes for many things Jack. He just does.

While we may not be getting that truck just yet (if ever), I still hope that Jack still has the happiest of birthdays.

And I also wish for him a lifetime of smiles, which is something he has already given to me in his short time here on earth.