My Children are My Calling Card

[Paul Lushin]

Yes I admit, second to Two and Half Men, one of my favorite TV shows is Desperate Housewives. My claim to watching this show of dysfunction is that it makes my life seem normal. On last week’s episode Gabrielle Solis played by Eva Longoria Parker and Susan Mayer played by Terri Hatcher were talking about their children. Gabrielle said to Susan in a serious tone, “My children are my calling card.” In a show that exaggerates family and neighborhood dysfunction, I was touched by that profound comment.

We have all heard saying like, “Show me the cow and I’ll show you the calf,” or “The acorn doesn’t fall to far from the tree.” While those two sayings resonate well in the relationship between child and parent, nothing speaks to how well you parented that the comment that Gabby said to Susan. Children are their parents “Calling Card” so I would like to take the opportunity to boast of one of my 5-five calling cards.

Spenser, my third son of five, along with his life partner Kelly, gave birth to their first child and my first grandson. Harper Paul Lushin came into this world Saturday night as the Colts won their first playoff game against the Ravens. In watching events unfold Saturday and then into Sunday, I noticed a boy that had turned into a man. I was so touch by my son Spenser that I almost came to tears. I witnessed his warm loving hand stroke Kelly as she labored. When the baby arrived, I saw a young man beam with pride as most fathers do. His joy was obvious in his radiant presence. He was so excited that he couldn’t relax.

As a parent you sometimes think that your children will never “get it!” whatever “get it” means. You raise your children the best you know how and yet you still feel that you came up short. But yesterday, my confidence in my parenting was restored. I noticed that my son was on top of it all. The nurse came in and asked about feedings and Spenser promptly stated the exact times and on which breast Harper fed from. (The exact breast thing was more detail than I cared to know) Furthermore, he did everything humanly possible to insure Kelly was situated and comfortable. I could not believe my eyes; my irresponsible teenager (now 22) was an impressive loving father, responsible parent and attentive partner. Therefore I thank you Spenser Paul Lushin, now father of Harper Paul Lushin, for making your father proud and settling my parental anxieties that I did more things right than not, and for being a great “calling card” for your parents.

Paul Lushin