To my precious Parker: Here’s how Daddy sees you

Giving you your summer flowers.

Sep 21, 2026

You came to me bawling this summer like I had never seen you.

You carried a small notebook. On one page was a long list, spilling down two columns. At the top, it read: “37 Things.”

They were things I had said to you or about you. Things I had challenged you on. And, in some cases, names I had called you.

Some were mild. Some were necessary. Some were even true: your spelling adventures, being a stickler, being a smart aleck.

Others made me stop.

“Clumsy.”

“Lazy.”

And worst of all: “Annoying.”

We had a heart-to-heart that day, the beginning of an eventful Fourth of July weekend. And while I didn’t suddenly become a different dad, I started paying closer attention to what my words were doing to you.

I watched my words more carefully. I poured into you more intentionally. I realized I could still challenge you, push you and hold you to a high standard — while making sure you know just how much I believe in you.

Because when I saw those 37 things written in your notebook, I realized there were a whole lot of things I had said to you that I wished weren’t the things you remembered most. There’s so much more I need to say.

So, before this summer officially ends Tuesday night, I needed to give you your flowers.

You deserve them.

And because you gave me 37 things that summer day, I’m giving you 50.

Parker, here’s how Daddy truly sees you.

💸

You are adaptable. You are adventurous. You are adorable. You are authentic.

You are beautiful. You are bold. You are brilliant.

You are capable. You are clever. You are compassionate. You are confident. You are considerate. You are courageous. You are curious.

You are determined…

When you decide you’re going to do something, there’s usually not much anybody can do about it.

You are empathetic. You are entrepreneurial. You are exuberant.

You are fun. You are funny…