Old Home Week

How many times have you said "I wonder how so-and-so is? I should give them a call" and never do it?

After a few weeks of coincidences that have reminded me of an old friend, I finally dug up his number and called. He owns a recording studio where a band I was in spent years of evenings and weeknights farting around. He was a bit older than us, a confirmed bachelor, and a person who vowed never to have kids. The last time I saw him was maybe 10 years ago...at his wedding. Married for the 1st time at the ripe old age of 50 (or so). He battled a serious illness a few years back and as he is an intensely private person, went through this trial with little word to his casual friends like me. It's too easy to lose touch and too easy to be satisfied with words about how someone is doing, simply from 3rd or 4th hand news. I let it happen far too often. I'm really glad I made the effort to call.

We spoke for a long time. In the background I could hear the antics of his 11 month old daughter. Yes, he is a Dad for the 1st time too. He used the word "blessing" of course, to describe the impact on his life. I could only smile on my end of the phone . . yes, yes, I nod silently.

I have a deep respect for those in my family and friends who decided against having children for whatever reason. They would have been great parents to be sure. I don't feel like I have much of an identity outside of being a husband, father, and grandfather (jeez).

All that said, I couldn't be happier for my friend who has been given as much time as anyone is guaranteed to have on this earth who now gets a chance to experience the indescribable love you can feel for a child.

Don't tear up on me. They also grow up to be quite the pain in the ass at times. Just kidding (mostly).