This is Nate. He was born in December of 2011. He isn't really the reason I haven't been writing; my old job took care of that. I was so obsessed with the work that I let the writing go.
As you may have guessed, this little guy is our first grandson. I wish I could describe how it feels. I used to look at people who'd ask me "WHEN are they going to have children?" as if it were an urgent event as if they were nuts. AND really intrusive. My answer was always "When they're ready."
I'd stick with that. No one but a mom and dad can decide when they're ready for kids. But I CAN tell you that all the amazement and delight, pride and emotion, is real. And wonderful.
The best part is watching your child, and his wife, being beautiful parents. It's great to have a good job and a PHd and all that and between them they have two of the former and one of the latter, but to reveal themselves to be gentle, caring, magnificent, patient, joyful and loving with their son … that's the best!
I'm sure that this return will involve a great deal of grandparently meditation but given the state of our country right now (can you say War on Women?) I'm sure there will be many of my old topics too. It's good to be back.