Rick’s A Grandpa!!

I remember having my first child.  The fear.  The excitement.  The wondering about what's to come and where life will take us.  My beautiful daughter Chelsea just gave birth to the most incredible baby I've ever seen.

I can't quite process what I'm feeling right now.  Not being there in Salt Lake City while she brought this soul into the world hurts.  I never quite envisioned it this way.  To say that life has taken some unexpected turns is an understatement.  Most of my kids are all grown up now and planting roots in my old stomping grounds of Salt Lake City.  But I know I'm supposed to be here.  The Treasure Valley is my home!  And from that 4 1/2 hour drive away I will love my grandson like no grandpa ever has.

When I look at this little guy, it's hard to imagine we'll be camping, fishing, hanging out and doing all sorts of cool things together.  I wonder what he's going to be like.  What obstacles he'll face.  What joys he'll experience.  What he's going to end up doing in this life and who he'll someday marry.

Having my five children were the all time best moments of my life.  By far!  They're everything to me and always will be.  Seeing my beautiful daughter Chelsea experience that same moment is truly indescribable.  I'm scared for her because I know how hard life can be but I'm so truly excited for her as well.  Because I know how beautiful life can be.  One always comes with the other.  That's the only way we really appreciate true love and happiness.

To my grandson Emerson.  I know I haven't met you yet.  But I want you to know I love you.  I know you've been waiting for a long time in heaven to get the chance to come down and be part of our family.  Your mother means everything to me, and you, a part of who she is, mean just as much.  I will always be there for you.  No matter what the situation.  No matter how difficult.  My love is unconditional and I would be honored if you took advantage of that.  That's your job.  Please be kind to your mom and love her as I do.  I'm so excited to meet you this weekend.  Love... Grandpa!