Father's Day Gift

I had the opportunity this past weekend to spend time with the family in Santa Claus, Ind.

We traveled to the area Friday and stayed at Santa's Lodge until Sunday.

We went to Santa's Candy Castle Friday so James David and our nieces could write a letter to Santa Claus. A response will soon arrive.

On Saturday, we -- my wife, parents, sister, brother-in-law, and nieces -- all joined my son for a trip to Holiday World.

While it was blistering hot outside, I think James David enjoyed the trip.

I enjoyed it so because I had an opportunity to spend three days with my family. One of those days, Sunday, was my second Father's Day.

James David purchased a T-shirt for me, which states "World's Greatest Dad."

While I'm quite certain I am not the world's greatest father, I am glad he thinks I am.

I love my son more and more with each and every passing day.

Words can't describe how it feels to be a father.

And yet, I admit, it is difficult. But all I can do is continue to try to do the best I can.

Sunday evening, for example, as nighttime was approaching, James David was going through his usual routine.

He was tired and was doing everything he could possibly do to stay awake.

He decided to knock down one of his toys, which in turn, knocked down several Legos in the process.

We picked them up, but he was prepared to do it again.

Again, doing anything he can to stay awake.

My voice raised just a little to prove a point.

He knocked it down anyway, but picked it up immediately.

I love being a father and so enjoy spending time with my son.

I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like, but I try.

But when I come home after work, I absolutely love it when his head rises up, and he yells, "Daddy" at the top of his lungs.

I love it when he grabs a couple of his cars and wants to roll them across the floor. I love it when he asks me to open something or to close something. Or when he asks me to sit with him as he watches his favorite television show, "Yo Gabba Gabba," which by the way, is really great for children.

We've now taken James David on his first official trip away from home. Hopefully, in a few years, he'll be ready to experience something much bigger.