By Jim Dickens December 19, 2025
When we left our oldest at college, I was unexpectedly emotional. I failed to realize until the moment that our son was leaving us to start his own life. It was not just another first day of school. Without foreseeing the moment, you are unprepared and the sudden realization can be very emotional.
My friends who are already grandparents told me it was the greatest. I thought about it and discounted it. I knew from parenting that new borns looked funky and were incapable of doing anything. Well now I am a grand parent and I have to admit I was wrong and my friends were right.
We were invited to come to the hospital and be there when our grand child was born. So we used our “go bags” and flew to San Francisco arriving at he hospital 4 hours before the birth. We got to hang around and go through the play by play. Thankfully it all worked out well with baby and mom healthy. And well, I was overly emotional ending with joy.
I didn’t anticipate watching our kids go through the roller coaster of anxious anticipation, pain, relief and joy. Also, there is the magic of a new life appearing suddenly. Being very attached to the kids I rode the roller coaster with them. It was a great and powerful emotional ride. Understanding this connection now, I realize the birth is just the beginning and the emotional connection will continue.
R1T Tour 