Viewing Myself Through My Son's Eyes

Something happened last night that hasn't happened in the seven years that my son has been on this Earth. It took my by such a surprise, before I realized why it was happening.

Before I get into what happened, I need to explain some things about my son, Jonathan. Jonathan has a unique gift in that he does not experience stress and pressure the way most people I know (including me). He has been going to Tae Kwon Do tournaments for a year now and has earned first place in six events, including twice in sparring. The noise, the crowds, the competition and the moment actually seems to settle him. He performs better.

In baseball, Jonathan struggles in practice. He never seems to be able to get things right. Then, come game time, it always comes together for him. He led his team in doubles and extra-base hits this year -- and had a knack for getting big hits with his teammates on base.

Jonathan takes the moment and makes it his moment.

Last night I took him to watch Hapkido class at the school of my old grand master. Jonathan met Mrs. Kang, wife of Grand Master Kang, and Les, who was a student with me when I studied there. Les continued training long after I had stopped and is now a master himself.

When Jonathan met them, he was visibly awkward. He looked unsure of himself. He didn't know what to say, or even where to put his hands. He couldn't even get a good kick off when Les had asked him.

I couldn't believe it. What had made this seven-year-old Derek Jeter-type kid so uncomfortable?

Then it occurred to me.

These were people from his father's past. Like most kids, Jonathan sees his father as larger than life. So Les and Mrs. Kang were, to him, not unlike gods.

It's humbling to be granted a moment like I did last night -- to see myself through my son's eyes.