Without them, I am nothing

What makes a man, a man? How do you determine your worth or value to the world around you? When I meet someone for the first time and they ask me about the work I do, I quickly change the topic. There are many reasons for this. Mainly, I do so because what I do is not who I am. I also don't love my job and it is not something I am proud of. It's a means to an end. Yes, I know it's a good reason to look for another job, but that is a topic for another time.

The only thing that I have done with my life that matters, is being a father. Everthing else pales in comparison. Nothing else is significant. When I am long gone, do not measure me by the amount of money I have aquired. Do not judge me by the size of my house or what I have driven. Do not praise me for how I may have moved up the "corporate ladder." It doesn't matter.

When I am long gone, look to my children for they are my legacy. Get to know them. See how they live their own lives. See the people that they are. In them, you will find pieces of me. In the end people who have never met me, will get to know me through my kids. This is how I want to be remembered.

I read this quote from the late Jim Henson and it perfectly illustrates how I feel about being a father.

"The attitude you have as a parent is what your kids will learn from more than what you tell them. They don't remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are." - Jim Henson

A little about my kids:

Daniel (16) is the eldest and the moodiest. He loves computers (very talented at 3d design), music (making his own and listening to a wide range of stuff) and stealing his father's socks. He's sensitive and caring and has no tolerance for prejudice of any kind.

Devin (14) is the only girl of the bunch. She is a voracious reader, excellent student, member of chorus and loves to watch music videos. She also writes and loves art. She is very helpful and often demonstrates her maternal side. Although getting her to change a diaper is still a battle!

Dylan (7) is smart, analytical, introspective, and serious. He's also very helpful and loads the dishwasher better than his older brother. Dylan LOVES Pokemon! He is highly amused (and sometimes embarressed) by the antics of his younger brother, Harper. Dylan also has a very caring soul.

Harper (5) is lively, outspoken, funny, and creative! He is an artist who loves to draw and make things out of items that he finds in the recycle bin. He is very passionate about his art. He loves nature and has a huge sense of adventure. He's also very empathetic and cares deeply for those around him and the world at large.

Harris (3) is sweet, playful, and energetic. He loves to do what ever Harper and Dylan are doing. He can also be heard repeating what they have said as if it's his own thought. Harris loves all things Nick Jr! He also likes to help out around the house, as long as it doesn't mean picking up toys.

Henson (1) is our own sweet little Muppet and cuter than most. He currently loves to crawl around and explore anything within his grasp! He is also a great snuggler and is quite good at vocalizing his needs!

-Scott