Every year when Father’s Day has come around, my mind has always gone toward my dad and my grandfather, who were great role models. It’s previously been a day of reflection and missing the generations before, but this time it’s different for me.
Last August, when Rowen Michael Jones arrived in this world, making me a father, and Chelsea a Mom, he transformed my life in a way I never anticipated could happen. In this past year, I’ve been able to experience so many firsts and the joy is unreal.
Now, as delightful as it is to have a son, I’ve had to learn a few rules that are new to my generation. As a new dad I have to admit I know absolutely nothing about parenting. I’m learning as fast as I can and reading every resource I can get my hands on. Friends who are already dads are also telling me some good things to remember, too. But it’s not as easy as it looked.
We’re lucky that our golden doodle, Bogey, has welcomed his younger brother. They are friends for life. So when I talk to one of them I have to look at both of them. It’s like having a supervisor sometimes!
Rowen is a happy-natured baby and for the most part he’s been generous with his sleeping habits, so Chelsea and I have been able to get some sleep, too. In his youngest days, that wasn’t always the case, but we’ve caught up with what we lost…almost.
He’s grown so much so quickly, I’m determined to document each new thing he does. Fortunately we have camera phones that are right where we’re looking for them. He’s learned to love riding in the golf cart (when it’s cooler) and he’s been given the opportunity to watch some soccer on TV. I know I have a sports buddy for years to come. And I’ll love taking him to his first games and maybe helping to coach his teams at whatever he wants to play. The soccer ball will always be within sight in his room, but no pressure.
Today we enjoy many technological advances for children to learn and study and grow up, being challenged with colors, shapes, and textures for academic preparation and science, technology, engineering, and math. He loves his stuffed animals and dinosaurs are very popular. Nature prints are all over his room.
To all of you who are dads, you know each one of these facts about your children, their likes, dislikes, preferences, and you’re seeing what your children will want to do as they grow up. Yes, you all have a great head start on me, but I am enjoying the journey to learning new things about fatherhood and about Rowen.
I want to commend all of you who are fathers and those who are father figures and step-up dads to the young people who need and appreciate you. Thank you for being there for them. The difference the gift of your time in their worlds is priceless. Happy Father’s Day to all of you!
Cody D. Jones ‘02
Owner & Community Member
