the birth of a [dad]

on september 30th at 5:52 pm 8lb. 6oz. lucie grace came into this world, melted my heart and turned me into a dad.

my grandfathers [watch]

when i was 16, my grandfather gave me a watch.




i had just gotten my drivers license and he ask if i wanted to take him for a drive in his el camino. we drove the back roads of western kansas, until we came upon the family land. we stopped the car on the side of the road.  while looking at the field and telling me about the harvest, he took the watch off his wrist and put it on mine.  one of my all time favorite memories of him.

just three and a half years later, when i was attending college,  he passed away.

his watch is my most cherished possession.

since then, i've worn the watch at all of my lifes milestones.  it was worn at events such as proms, graduations, family gatherings, when i got engaged and when i received my architecture license.  i'd wear it to remind myself of him and in a little way i eel like he was there with me.


it should be no surprise to know than when we headed to the hospital for the birth of my first child, i was sure to put it on.  here i an looking at the watch, waiting for the doctors to pull me into the operating room, just 22 minutes before i'd meet my daughter.


thanks for being there with me grandpa.

love you.