Well, we are on the precipice of a big adventure. Isaac's first plane ride, meeting Dad's family, hanging out with the grandparents, aunties and uncles, and meeting everyone in the Circle. Between my Mom's family and the Circle, you could find all the elements of who I am as person in these people and places. Now that I get to share them with Isaac, well, that is just too cool.
It seems like a bit of role reversal that Isaac will meet Jacob and Ian and Eli. The three Shapiro boys allowed me to remain Peter Pan for a bit longer than most and watching them grow up was one of the reasons that I have always wanted a kid of my own. Seeing them learn things and explore and have fun made me realize probably as far back as high school that I wanted to be a Dad. Sharing Isaac with them and introducing them to Isaac will be surreal, no doubt.
Having Isaac meet the O'Connors and other neighbors will also be an experience I won't soon forget. The O'Connors were the center of the neighborhood, and Brigid, in particular, is one of the people that shaped my childhood and taught me the importance of doing things the right way, whether it was having fun at King's Island, going to the Reds game, or working hard at the library. When they say that it takes a village to raise a child it is only because they have never been to the Midwest where it only takes a neighborhood because there are so many good examples around and watchful eyes making sure you do nothing too dangerous or too mischievous.
Then there is the Puckett family. Isaac doesn't know them yet, but he will soon. He will realize that their love of family and fun and kids is something that has always played a role in my life. There is no stronger family, with all the quirks and characters, than the Pucketts and I can't wait for Isaac Anthony to meet them and get a sloppy wet kiss or two. I can't wait for him to meet his same-generation cousins. I think technically they are his second cousins, but that is
surprisingly complex to figure out.
Of all the people that I want Isaac to meet the most, the two at the top of the list are his great grandparents. I know he will fall in love with my grandmother, Mimi, because, well everyone does, especially little kids. She is the epitome of generosity and giving. She would give you the shirt off her back, scrounge around, find another shirt, give you that too, and then bake you a pie for your journey. She bullishly protective and steadfastly loyal, traits I hope that Isaac has. Finally, there is his blue eyed buddy, his birthday buddy, my grandfather Woody. He is a quiet guy. A hard working guy. And he is funny. When I think about what to do in a tough situation or when I am faced with a big decision Woody is one of the people I try to emulate. What would Woody Do? Not as marketable as the other "What Would" but I find it a whole lot more practical. I want that picture of Woody and Helen smiling at Isaac and Isaac flashing them back a two-toothed grin. I think he'd even go in for a biscuits and gravy breakfast one day. That gravy is healthy, right? Actually, I think it is, despite all of the fashion food fads, as Helen and Woody are still going quite strong. Maybe one day modern science will figure out Mimi's cooking. Until then, we'll just enjoy it.
Get ready.
