Growing up is hard. Parenting is also tough. Teach wears the pants. I am super soft. Jensen is now a Senior. Where did the time go? He is a talented kid, but he has some flaws. Jensen looks like Mom, but he is starting to act like me. The kid is weighing his options. The pressures are mounting. Where are you going to college? Do you have any ideas on what you want to study? What are your plans after graduation? The three of us have struggled with this transition. We have been on a few visits. It is very different.

Growing up in the 90s, my friends and I all went to college. I wouldn’t say we were forced. We didn’t have many options. Some went on to study for four years. Earning those liberal arts degrees. Several of us came home with lots of debt. A diploma that really hasn’t helped. I guess it was the experience. Jensen is on the fence. He is convinced that AI will be taking over. The kid brings up a valid point.

My son is also questioning whether he will play hoops his final season. This has been a hot topic in the house. I don’t want to push him. It is totally his call. The game has been a huge part. I am a basketball guy. A former Millionaire and longtime coach. Perhaps I am adding to the stress. Jensen still enjoys the game, but he has many new passions. Teach and I have told him the PROS. He comes back with the CONS. The jury is still out. Jensen will continue with his music. He sings in the choir and strums his guitar. Don’t get me wrong. I love it when he hits a 3 in a crowded gym, but seeing him on the stage is just as good. I applaud him and his mates for doing what they love.

Fishing is something that he is obsessed with. I got him involved at an early age. We have been on the streams and lakes together since he was 3. Jensen has taken it to a new level. He fishes every day. I am not kidding. He and his friends travel all over, but mostly here in the backyard. They are getting quite good with their craft. Jensen has even started a new venture. I love the idea. My son has fished some of his favorite local streams. Jensen captures everything on video and shares them on his socials. He is up to DAY 9. They are really neat. I may be biased. But his clips are legit. Jensen uses his iPhone. There is music, interaction, catches, and even a few underwater scenes. My son starts every episode with “This is DAY 6 of me fishing every day after school until I land a sponsor.” Yes. He is trying. Day 1. Hoagland’s Run. Day 2. Lycoming Creek. Day 3. Gray’s Run. Day 4. Pine Creek. Day 5. Hoagland’s. I am super jealous.

Patience and persistence are virtues. My son just landed his first sponsor. A fishing NIL deal. You seriously can’t make this up. Why didn’t I think of this? Special thanks to our good friends at the GIRION INSURANCE AGENCY. They are the best. The hats and decals are on their way. Jensen is ecstatic. More sponsors will come. He will continue to post and send his notes — a new passion that he is all about. Teach is happy, and she will come around. Jensen sent two more emails this morning. They can’t ignore me forever.

Who knows where this will lead. I am just happy that my son is healthy. He comes from a good family. Jensen will be fine. We will continue to support him in whatever he decides. College? Perhaps. Maybe not. He will find his path. Maybe the Webb Weekly would like to join? Cheers.