A couple weeks ago, I told you about my moment of reflection during Natural Helpers. Well, Sunday night I found myself reflecting again, and this time things got personal. Sometimes it is hard to write this column without giving you a deep look into my personal life and little peeks into my family and friends. Especially this week. So, be gentle to me and anyone I mention.

It was during the baby shower for Levi and Davida and the precious little package that is on the way. It was fun, and a celebration and laughs were had many times during the afternoon; but I had an underlying emotion that kept bubbling up and I kept suppressing. It started when little Cairo arrived with Jesse and Nesha. My little great-nephew came right to me and we chilled on the couch. As we sat there and he looked up at me, and me down at him, I started to let my imagination wander and think about the little girl that is coming soon. Joy welled.

It happened again later, when Levi’s friends started to show up to support him and Davida. Particularly when Cody Payne and Jared Holt arrived with their significant others. I was so proud that Levi had friends that were man enough to show up to a baby shower, and not just because Huli and Sarah made them come. It was obvious they were there for Levi. Just like they had been many times over the years. Good friends doing good things for each other.

Then some others showed up. Important people in the lives of these soon-to-be parents. Mentors, relatives, acquaintances and treasured friends quickly filled the living room, and as you looked around the room you saw faces of importance sharing in the moment in the lives of two wonderful people about to bring into the world a little angel to be raised up in all of their words of advice and foundations that have been laid down. The room was filled with love, support and strong hands.

It hit me hard when the gifts were being opened. My mind wandered to 20-some years ago when I was at a little boy’s first birthday. It was hard to imagine that this same little boy was about to welcome this little girl into the world. The same rough-and-tumble boy is about to be responsible for the precious cargo coming, and I am not worried. I have seen the heart of this man really come to life as he matured over the years. The addition of Davida in his life has only magnified his maturity and love for others, and Davida is just as passionate, devoted and welcoming as that little boy. I found myself almost feeling that this was all only a dream and I was still holding that little one from so long ago in my arms against my chest. But this is real. Lives are being lived, and we are all just doing everything we can, everything we are supposed to do, to help each other along the way.

It is difficult to wrap my mind around the word “Grandpa.” I still think of my grandpas when I hear the name. But I will do my best; my grandpas poured so much into me to make me the person I am today, and I will do the same for this little girl. I await you with open arms, little cub.

Time just flies on around you while you are trying your best every second of it all. It happens so fast; embrace the daily moment, from a first birthday to a first trip to the ER to the first heartbreak to the first prom to graduation to marriage to their first child. In the blink of an eye, you are the grandpa. I embrace the title with integrity, honor and love.