myopic pilgrim

Susan and I haven’t picked a name for the baby yet. I don’t think there are any Filipino names left on the table. And by Filipino, I mean Spanish names, of course (goodbye and paalom, Emilio). We have biblical names that sound too biblical for a pastor’s son (Josiah, Jeremiah, etc.), at least to my ears. We also have a few ideas that aren’t already taken by the children of friends (my cousin’s newborn is apparently named Jackson).

This much we know. Our son’s last name is Skinner and his middle name is Robert.

Our conversation turned to easier decisions. Susan is White with a mixture of German, Irish and other stuff. I’m mostly Filipino and basically a quarter Black. So, what do our sons mark as their nationality—Caucasian, Asian, Slovenian? Read the rest of this entry »

I was thinking about how being married with kids limits your freedom and increases your responsibility. It’s clear to me that Paul the Apostle’s encouragement to not marry was to keep you nimble and single-minded. If it were just me, I could deprive—even abuse myself, but I must provide and protect my family. And not only that, but I have to look after myself for the sake of my family. I’m no good to them burnt out, weakened, or dead.

I realize I didn’t develop this thought very well. I just needed to get this exhortation down for me before I forgot. Part of my value is measured by how physically, spiritually, and emotionally able I am to care for my family. The damage I do to myself (actively or through inaction) does damage to my family.

Have I mentioned that my wife is pregnant? That’s right, the planets have aligned again for us. We’re in the second trimester which means that the probability of carrying the baby to term has gone way up. Susan has a good feeling about it which may mean nothing, but I think it means something.

You know when we’re gone which means you know we’re there. When I feed you, you look up and reach your hand out lovingly, tenderly, towards my cheek. Then you pinch me between your jagged talons that people call fingernails. It hurts a bit, but you don’t know any better. I’ll have to get used to that.

Will commented (on my post about being called a babysitter for my son) that another pet peeve of his is the portrayal of dads on TV as “bumbling idiots.” Remember the dad from Good Times? That was a father. (John Amos, the actor who played the dad is on Men In Trees now). But growing up in the 80s I remember the “dad as a fool” stereotype. I’m having trouble thinking of examples now (the dad on According to Jim?), so maybe the trend is reversing.

Dad Is the Butt of Jokes because He’s the Boss

Is it funny because it’s true? Dad needs help finding his socks and can be fooled by wacky schemes. Maybe the finding his socks part. But I think it was funny (at first) because of a classic comedic device: make fun of the the person in power. Read the rest of this entry »