My son came home from college for the weekend and was distraught to find that there is no food in the fridge. “You promised you’d have food when I came home!” Well, son, you promised you wo...
This year will be filled with “lasts” for my son. His last Homecoming. His last season of high school basketball. Last Prom. My son has been blessed with a solid group of friends who have bec...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2014/10/photos-the-last-homecoming/
The Middle Child has been bugging me to get his driver permit since the day he turned 15 1/2. I kept putting it off because the longer that kid stays off the road, the better for everyone involve...
On Friday morning I walked into my daughter’s room to say good morning to her, just like I do every morning. She was already wide awake, reading a book on her Kindle. I sat down on the edge o...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2013/09/the-time-i-inspired-my-daughter/
“Can I comb your hair, Daddy?” “Sure you can.” He replied. She combed what little hair he has left at the top (I call his hair The Dr.Phil Lite) carefully, trying to get every hair in pla...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2013/05/she-just-gives-really-good-advice/
Andrew recently graduated from Military Combat Training at Camp Pendleton. We were going to drive out for his graduation ceremony and would get to spend a couple of hours with him before he was s...
After seventeen days, Andrew’s leave ended today. We left the house at 6am and just a few hours later, I was saying goodbye in a parking lot. As I walked around the car to give him a goodbye hu...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2012/08/another-goodbye-goodbyes-suck/
Our son has been home with us for twelve days. Having him home here with us has been wonderful. We’ve gone out for pizza with friends. We’ve gone out to breakfast. We’ve gone thrift store s...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2012/08/im-proud-of-the-man-ive-raised/
Over two months ago, I kissed my son goodbye and left him to begin his journey to become a Marine. The first few days of his absence were the most difficult days I’ve faced as a parent. I cried...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2012/08/a-video-of-our-journey-we-are-so-grateful-we-are-so-proud/
There are so many things to tell you about these past two days, but for now, I will share with you the first moment we saw our son for the first time in three months. More to come soon… Kup Pri...
https://www.joyunexpected.com/2012/08/the-moment-well-never-forget/