Chasing Parker: GUEST POST! Letter to Parker, from Uncle David

Parker,

I'm so excited to welcome you into our big family. I realize you're several years away from understanding that I truly am your favorite uncle. Bribery, charm and brute force will wear away on you until that title is earned through a fit of tickles.

Not to say becoming your favorite uncle will be easy. I have stiff competition. Uncle Jack and Jameson are forces to be reckoned with. You're lucky to have them, along with the rest of your family. You will realize that along the journey.

As I watch Jack and Jameson transform from boys to young men, I also look forward to watching your character come to life. Luckily, your Mom updates me with Instagram photos whenever your sock falls off, some drool builds up on your face or you discover your mom's cooking for the first time. (Which, like your motor skills, will get better over time) Your Mom and Dad will certainly have their hands full with you, and coming from a boy who never officially grew up, you'll enjoy that mischievous role.

As an Uncle, and I'm sure your parents can attest, we search for teaching situations in life. Moments when we can share our acquired wisdom and stories with our youth, in an effort to help them learn from our mistakes. Mom will sure tell you, Grandma never let's a moment go by without sharing her wisdom. Grandma's are good at that. Even if they look too young to be a Grandmother. (Also note how far flattery can go.) You'll win a few free passes in life that way.

The sneaky part of trying to teach our wisdom to our youth is that we find that often we resort back to being students ourselves. At your young age you are teaching us all what unconditional love looks like. The truths of babyhood. Laughter when you're happy, crying when you aren't, staring at people when you're curious.

Your unconditional love for all those that you trust while in their arms, is something we must all be reminded to have in this world. You were born with trust and faith that every step along the way, you have a family there guiding you, embracing your soon to be first steps.

Those first steps, added up, will turn into a first day at school. And soon enough, you will be off and running.

To quote a favorite country music song, (your favorite genre):

"Have strength when you stand, and faith when you fall"

Applied to a baby, it can be quite literal, but the deeper meaning is shared with us all.

You express your feelings on your sleeve. The energy of your love knows no shield. There is no subtext to your emotions, you tell it like it is. You're so less complicated than girls. (I'll explain that in greater detail in 14 years). Before I know it, the tides will turn, and you will be teaching me. Like, "Uncle Dave, your fastball isn't all it was hyped up to be"

I'll respond with some stubborn quip about how intimidating the fastball was back in my day. Baseball will be a sport of the past. Lacrosse will be the new sport. Or Texting. I'll be forced to educate you on all the stuff you missed out on. Duck Tales. My '91 LeBaron. Boy Meets World. (you'll have the remake)

Your world is different than the world I grew up in, but some things will never change. The principles and forces of life remain constant.

"Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks, finds. To him who knocks, it will be opened." Matthew 7:7

Your story is being written daily, with love, faith and family.

My last words of advice. It's not always about who the message was intended for, but who is listening.

Love your favorite Uncle,

Dave