Watching your kids grow into adults is hard. I remember them as little kids, 3 little girls in pigtails and dresses clinging to every word. My son, emulating every move and joke, waking up in the onsie pj’s and learning of the days mischief (typically led by his middle sister and constant companion). Telling all of them stories at night, made up tales of spy kids, animal people and anything I could think of to give them a good nights sleep and a story to continue the nights ahead.
But they grow up.
Lexi and Kati are now juniors in college, we have adult conversations about life. We talk about love and hurt and the realization that clinging to dads every word is not always perfect. Although well intended, my role is counselor and long gone are the days of “dad knows best”. I accept this, because I trust in the adults they are today and the future.
Lexi is pursuing her passion of psychology, a path laid out for her at an early age and one I know her success will be measured in helping others. We just talked about our similarities and some shared personality traits. On a recent visit she curled up and fell asleep on me, giving me a glimpse into the days gone where this was the norm. She may never know how much that hour rejuvenated my spirit in the purest form of father to daughter love.
Kati, my talker, is a communications major and already the accomplished creative. She will investigate and always hold to a high moral compass. Opening up and discussing us is not the challenge it may seem, it is refreshing and uplifting. Just talking and sharing feelings is a renewal to the mind and heart. She also fell asleep on the couch with Lexi and I (me never sleeping just basking in the moment).
Gabi, gone are the days of learning to ride her bike and celebrating with an ice cream. She is paving her way as a senior in high school and aspirations of acting. She works hard, goes to school (finishes early) and creating her own path which is wide open. Her road has been different, her path is her very own. My independent child who boosted her brother in early morning and late night pantry raids for snacks will always take a unique path, and that is perfectly fine. Click to see how her first award winning act
Corban, my son, only a sophomore in high school and the path is open! My “he will be alright” moment came this past week. He was kicking off and the return man was about to return for a touchdown, until all 5′ 11′ and 133.5 pounds of terror went airborne to make the td saving tackle (see below). I love sports and my son will choose his path to which I will cheer just as loud and just as hard, regardless of where life takes him. We talk about college and life plans and your pathway may not be lit today, but your light will shine and I know you will go full force!
Elijah, my nephew, also a sophomore, I enjoy seeing his growth since he moved in with us March 2023. The opportunity to watch you grow and shape into an amazing young man is an honor. Recently on a run he stopped to help an old man unload his truck. He stood for an hour listening to this strangers stories. He was lost, so I picked him up and he told me about helping this man. I was proud of him, but days later a social media storm took off and the community was a buzz about a young football player who assisted an old man….the school and coaches found out, it was Elijah and honored him with gift cards and team captain for the week. This story illustrates your life, your heart is just as big as your biceps, which we see both flexed everyday.
I write this journal as a message in a bottle. I encourage you to read Matthew 25 and the parable of the oil. We each fill our own lamp representing our own life, the oil is a symbol for our obedience and righteousness.
Alex Putman 