I never thought I would be a father to a 12-year old at age 53. But I am and I think I am doing a great job. I have been told by friends and school administration that I am also. I am actually very happy to be a dad at this age too. If I would have been given this wonderful opportunity during my early adult life, I may have screwed his life. I have not been what you would call a “role model” during my 20’s. I am however settled down, and filled with knowledge that I can use and share to give my son the best life possible. I never miss any of his sporting events, and I always show up for school meetings and functions. There was a period at his early age, where I was working mandatory 12-hour shifts. Unfortunately I was involved in an industrial accident, which left me disabled. That was very hard to deal with because of the loss of high wages, medical benefits, and extras that I received from the company. But like every hardship that can be turned into something good, I am now not bothered by seeking childcare, and I am available to my son 24-hours every day of the week. My son said he wanted me around more than money also, which made me feel very good. So all the years I paid into social security, I am receiving them back at a time when I need them very much.

             Sometimes my disability limits what I can do with my son, but he accepts it, and he picks stuff for us to do that I can handle. So where he got a good dad, I got an outstanding son. He has quarterback qualities for football, quickness, speed and agility for soccer, and size and smarts to play basketball. I often think of him as my real retirement package. So as he gets older, and my disability often is worse than the day before, we go through life depending on each other to make this family what it is. I think that if more kids were like him, and more dads were like me, life would be grand. We not might be the wealthiest, or the cleanest bachelors in household tidyness, but we make it through each day happy and content with what we have. I think that is the way life should be.