When selecting the latest installment for the Father's Corner, I usually start out looking for hard-hitting, fact-driven articles that will hopefully grab the reader's attention and keep it long enough to finish the article. Then there are times I look for heartfelt, human articles that are not so data-driven and touch the soul. I found such an article while reading the latest edition of Heart & Soul magazine. The article is by Edwin V. Avent, Publisher of Heart & Soul and I really think it speaks - in plain language - to what LOVE is all about. Enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts.
I Never Knew a Love Like This
By Edwin V. Avent
Last November my wife and I had our second son, Alexander, and we couldn't be happier. Before you have children you hear people saying that they never really knew true love until they had them. I can understand now. Alexander is the younger brother to my first son, Austin, and I'm telling you I have never been happier or more purposeful than I am right now. I have the great pleasure of watching them grow up every day. I'm getting to see them laugh and cry, learn and play. I'm getting to play teacher and coach, buddy and disciplinarian. It's quite a job, and I love every bit of it.
One of the nicer byproducts of this experience is the evolution of my relationship with my wife, Tracey. We've definitely become closer through this time in our lives. I guess it's because we know we have an awesome responsibility that can be accomplished far better as a team that's happy and loving than if we were going it alone.
Also I think it's better because I have discovered what truly makes my wife happy. I have never seen her smile as much as when she sees me sitting on the couch with Austin at my side and Alex in my arms while we take in an Eagles football game. Austin and I usually have on our jerseys and we're screaming at the TV, rooting our team on, and Alex is just laying there taking it all in, looking around in wonder, trying to figure out what daddy and big bro are making all the fuss about. I catch my wife from the corner of my eye, peering at us from the kitchen with the most peaceful and content of smiles.
When I look at all of this I realize I have so much to live for. I want, more than ever before, to be healthier, wealthier and wiser. My family needs me and I need them. I want to be the role model my sons need. I want to be the husband that my wife desires. I need the love and support they provide me as well.
I remember when I was growing up, I was an avid reader of Black Enterprise. Earl Graves, the venerable publisher of the magazine, would talk about his family quite often. He was particularly proud of his three sons and would share his hopes and dreams for his family, and I remember thinking how lucky his sons were to be growing up with this great man.
Now that I'm in his shoes I can't help thinking how lucky he must have felt to be the father of these boys and how they must have provided purpose to his life. Graves is very fortunate; all three of his sons have grown to be successful in their own right.
They work in the family business and are keeping the legacy their father built growing and thriving. I don't know what my sons are going to be when they grow up, but I'm certainly excited to be the one who is going to play a large part in shaping these little boys into young men.
I ask that you pray for me and my family as we grow in love and unity, and I'll be praying God's peace and blessings on you and yours as well.
All the best,
Edwin V. Avent
Publisher
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