From the moment someone becomes a parent, they become responsible for every aspect of the child’s life. As time goes on, a parent not only is responsible for the care and well-being of the child but also start to concern themselves with how they are influencing the child. The influence of the parent is very important as it helps shape the various aspects of a youngster’s life as it relates to morals, values, character traits, and habits. A parent also knows that despite their best efforts to influence in the best way that their pride and joy will have to ultimately make decisions of their own. The influences of the world that exist beyond the parents’ control can be very concerning as children grow old enough to begin to venture out on their own away from the protective reach of their parents.
Burchy and I have been blessed to be parents now for almost twenty-two years to two amazing and wonderful boys. We have spent many years trying to teach, guide and influence both boys the best way we can in hopes that when faced with decisions they must make on their own that they will opt for the best possible choice. We certainly have made our mistakes but continue to guide them as we continue to grow in our own way and pass along lessons that are still learned even as we both have passed the half-century mark in age.
As much influence as a parent has on a child, the same holds true when you realize the child can also have a certain amount of influence on the parent. Our oldest son, Kaden, will turn twenty-two today. In those years, we have certainly witnessed where our influence has helped guide his decisions but we also have seen where we need to also allow for individual growth and development. We are also starting to see where his journey has greatly started to influence the path upon which we walk.
During the last couple of years, Kaden has really taken a great deal of pride in his personal health and fitness. Soaking up knowledge about exercise and nutrition, we found it difficult to prepare meals that met the nutritional standard for our young, budding health nut. After spending many months trying to prepare two meals, we found ourselves gradually making shifts in our dietary decisions as Kaden continued to try and educate us on the benefits of those decisions. Kaden’s immediate influence found its way into the exercise and nutrition habits of our youngest son, Ketch. He was starting to eat the same things and was finding his way to the gym on a regular basis as he began to see his body change in a positive way. It wasn’t long after that, Burchy and I were starting to make frequent trips to the gym as well.
Kaden’s journey has also led him into the running world as he found employment with a local Fleet Feet store that recently opened in downtown Pensacola. Due to this opportunity, and his influence, Burchy, Ketch, and myself have found ourselves on the doorstep of the running world. I must admit, and I say it often, my eyes have been opened to the running community. Not sure how it has happened, but the three of us are now training for a local 5K event the first weekend of February. Never in my life did I think I could tolerate any kind of distance running, but here I am becoming more educated and looking forward to training sessions each week as we anticipate the big event.
This past weekend, the training involved an open run that would take us onto the three-mile bridge here in Pensacola. I found myself really looking forward to this opportunity as I envisioned myself making it to the highest point of the bridge. Due to my inexperience as a runner, my current stage of training has me running for forty-five seconds followed by a one-minute and thirty-second walk. This sequence continues until my desired distance has been met. The peak of that bridge, from our starting location, was about three miles and I was determined to get there. Burchy was also participating but would be walking her desired distance with Lauren, Kaden’s girlfriend. Kaden also participates but oftentimes runs ahead to help guide other runners so he can get back to support those upon their return from the run. We started our run and I activated my interval timer starting with a forty-five-second run. My timer alerted me it was time to walk so I began my walk. As the timer sounded again, I began to run, and then all of a sudden I feel another runner pull up beside me and to my surprise it was Kaden. He maintained my pace until it was time to walk, he then walked with me while we shared some conversation. I fully anticipated that when it was time to run again that Kaden would go ahead and forge on at his pace that would greatly outdistance him from me but to my surprise, he stayed right beside his dad. How cool was this?? He continued to run at my pace and then walk with me all the while sharing conversation with a few laughs in between breaths. As I continued with my forty-five-second runs I could sense Kaden could have easily left me behind but he continued to stay with me. I felt like an old beat-up truck trying to keep up with a Ferrari. We made it to the top of the bridge, yes, I felt like Rocky making it to the top of the steps. We enjoyed the view together, took a breather, and then started the three-mile journey back to our origination point. While returning, I couldn’t help but think how the influence of a child had me running on this bridge and doing something I thought I would never do. I definitely felt extremely blessed to have the opportunity to have this experience as well as to be able to do it as a family.
As parents, Burchy and I will always try and influence and guide our children through life but I also think we have learned to remain open to the influences of our children being that their journey and experiences can oftentimes add value to those that raised them. We are so proud of our boys as they continue to grow, learn and adjust as they navigate the path they create for themselves, and only hope that our influence and guidance will be a beacon that will give them direction. Iron sharpens iron.
Happy 22nd Kaden, Mom, Dad, and Ketch love you very much!!……and of course Papi too!
Burchy and Big Guy 