Bob

As we enter 2022, I’ve taken a look back at my highlights from 2021.  Two things come to mind.  The birth of our third grandchild and the celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary.  That’s two big deals in one year.

Our two older grandchildren, Brady (16) and Eva (14) were both in Florida to help us celebrate Christmas.  As we were sharing the news of the day, Brady asked what everyone was calling his newest cousin.  Covid and long distance has meant that Brady and Eva have not had the opportunity to meet their nine-month-old cousin, Jackson James.

Ruth said his mom, Kate, plans to call him Jack, while she and Michael prefer the more formal Jackson.  Brady and Eva offered up a couple additional options: JJ (Jackson James) and JT (Jackson Tebo).  Brady is often referred to as B by his dad, so JT and JJ would be in line with that.  I’m sure his name will be determined through trial and error before one name leaps to the top.  As for me, I’m calling him Bob.

Some may accuse me of imposing my will but that’s not the case.  A few weeks ago, shortly before our last visit to see him, he spoke his first word, Bob.  That’s been reported and documented by his parents.  It’s not something I just dreamed up.  I’m obviously flattered he would think so highly of me that his first word would be my name, but facts are facts.

Skeptics might say his first word was gibberish.  To the skeptics, I say balderdash.  This young man is a genius, born to a long line of wise men and women. I think he may be one of those kids you read about online, graduating from high school at ten and entering Harvard at eleven.  It’s in his genes.

His outward appearance may be that of a young rapper, or peace promoting hippy, but that’s just his way of playing with the crowd. Some say he resembles me in my youth. Rest assured, he’s his own man with his own flamboyance so the rest of the world better buckle up.  There’s a new day coming.