The best thing about being a dad is re-experiencing the thousands of moments of life as if they were happening for the first time.

The first time I took my son to the beach was better than my own memories of going to the coast with my family of origin. When my boy asked me to take the training wheels off his bicycle, I felt more joy than I did during my own first solo ride.

A child might say, “Oh, look—a bug!” and a wise father will stop to marvel at one of God’s tiniest creatures. Being a dad means becoming reacquainted with what truly matters in life; to relish the wonder of simplicity and the beauty of connectiveness.

As my son turns 33, I want him to continue to be involved in the lives of his children. Such immersion is its own reward.

I want him to be honest and contented. Happiness is not guaranteed for every individual. One can pursue it, of course, but if one strives for contentment, he is more likely to attain it.

Some people believe the quality of time spent with a child is more important than the quantity of time. I disagree. Love is spelled T-I-M-E.

I believe a quantity of time is more important than quality time because of the values, lessons, and morals a father can pass on during shared moments, either good or bad. All generations benefit when families spend time together.

In some small way, I hope to leave the world a better place than when I entered it. On a grand scale, I try to be fair in every transaction, every interaction. On a more personal level, I take care of my loved ones. And on an individual level, I strive to take care of myself.

My son is now in the midst of life, raising two children of his own. I hope he carries these same goals forward.

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