Return of Son Alex

Son Alex has returned to Utah like the prodigal son after a summer in remote eastern Turkey. He spent the summer working on an archeological dig. He traveled from Salt Lake to Paris and then from Paris to Istanbul. After Istanbul, he traveled to his work site at a rural Turkish village. He saw a lot, learned a lot and it was no doubt a life altering experience for him. I was happy that he had the chance for this great life adventure, but I was more than a little happy to see him when he arrived back home to the protective arms of Salt Lake City’s Wasatch and Oquirrh mountains. I must say, that I was pretty excited to give him a fatherly hug for a son returned to the fold.

Alex is a smart fellow, good hearted and kind. During his boyhood years I endeavored to instill upon him the trait of being true to yourself; standing up for what you think is right despite being in the minority. I encouraged him not to go along with the crowd if he thought the crowd was wrong. I have tried to live by that principal even though it made me more than a little unpopular on occasions. I am pleased that Alex marches to his own drummer and does stands up for what he thinks is right. Sometimes, I have wanted Alex to do what I wanted him to do and when he didn’t, I was irritated.  But then as I thought about it,I would realize that he was doing what I had encouraged him to do, make his own thoughtful decisions in life.

We can encourage our children, help our children and try to protect our children, but they must follow their own path in life. It is nature’s way;  the young are meant to venture from the nest and find their own way. Hopefully, they will remember the old birds sitting alone on an empting bowl of mud and sticks thinking “I can’t believe they already hatched and flown the coop” and just hoping that the missing youngsters will drop back by sometimes with the odd worm or two for old dad or mom. (I know that is some kind of mixed bird metaphor but admit it, it was pretty good).

I love talking to Son Alex about history, politics and current events. He has a terrific knowledge of these things and he has a good take on things. When we are together, I find myself asking him many questions about historical issues, cultures and seemingly fairly obscure topics. His answers always provide me with food for thought and have on more than one occasion caused me to head to the library for more information.

I am proud of Son Alex, I love him and I am lucky to have him call me dad. Welcome home Son.