Kids are both the hardest and best thing to happened to my life. On the great side, they remind you of what it felt like to discover things, but also they remind you of simple things, like the power of promises. This encounter between Owen and myself is a great example of the joys of fatherhood and of its responsibilities.
Owen: Dad, Dad! Dad!
Me: Yes Owen
Owen: Dad, do you promise to take me to play tennis tomorrow
For some reason that week, Owen was tennis crazy. Trying to play in the backyard, in the house against walls, pretty much anywhere.
Me: Yes Owen, I promise. I'll try and come home from work early
Owen: Ok, 'cause you know Papa, promises shouldn't be broken
Needless to say it was one of those moment where you have clarity. In this case it was clear that not keeping my word, was not an option. I learned in that moment that when your word literally means the world to the person you are promising, you cannot break it. It was both heavy and refreshing.
Needless to say I came home early the next day, and Owen and his Papa played tennis for about 45 minutes. I don't know if i have the next John McEnroe but we'll certainly be doing that again.