I was very blessed to have my Dad as long as I did. As good a father as he was, he was an even better grandfather to Jimmy and Hunter. I only wish he would have had more years to spend with them, watch them grow, and share their milestones. In my column last year, which was titled, ‘Thinking of Dad on Father’s Day,’ I stated, “Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, and just a quick note to Hunter and Jimmy, I love being a doggy grandad but would love to extend my Doggy Daycare program to children.” Little did I know what the year ahead would bring.

Shortly after Father’s Day last year, my son Hunter got married to Maia on June 21st. Let me be the first to wish them a Happy Anniversary. About that same time, Jimmy and Lauren gave Michelle and me some news we had been waiting for: we were going to be grandparents. On January 10th, James Beau Webb came into the world. I can only imagine the joy my Dad would have experienced alongside the boys during these two most special times.

I have watched Jimmy and Beau for the last 5 months, and it’s been like reliving those early days when Jimmy came into my life. Beau’s just like him. And Jimmy responds exactly like I did. The rides in the car, the early morning starts, leading to breakfast with me now in the grandfather role. My Dad and I shared the very same moments with a cup of coffee and a smile when Jimmy and Hunter were young.

I must also add that Hunter and Maia, in their first year of marriage, have added Baci to their family. So now I have another grand dog, and yes, I have suggested, in the time of their choosing, that we need to keep the grand dog, grandchild number equal.

There have been so many first and special times within the Webb family in the last year, in the words of Yogi Bear, “It’s been like déjà vu all over again,” from when Michelle and I started out as a young family. I thank the good Lord each and every day for the blessings.

Tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American flag to all the dads out there. I’m sure many of you are thinking about experiences in your life as you’re reading my column. I have no doubt we need more good men stepping up to fill the fatherly role, earning the love to be called Dad. Making it your top priority to be a dad through the good, the bad, and often the unexpected. You never know where life is going to take you, let alone what’s going to happen when you add children to your journey. They depend upon your love, caring, actions, guidance, and direction as they grow older. Fatherhood and being a dad are a lifetime commitment that is always in motion. There has only ever been one Father-Son team that didn’t make a mistake when it comes to the mortal world.

Being a dad is not about being perfect; it’s about always being there and learning. It’s about changing your approach, listening, and not being afraid to admit there’s a better way. It’s about learning patience and selflessness, whether you have one child who needs your time or several at once. Then, when you think you’ve got it figured out, you realize the next child requires different parenting. Please never be afraid to ask for help or advice from someone you respect.

Please prioritize your time with the young ones and never take it for granted. Do not allow any cell phone or computer screen to steal time that could be spent with each other doing father-son things. I can’t believe how fast the last 30 years have flown by.

Happy first Father’s Day to my son Jimmy. Happy first Puppy Father’s Day to Hunter. I received a special Father’s Day present early from my sons this past week. I was present at their graduation from Leadership Lycoming as they were in the same class. What a great program. I will have more on this in the future.

Let’s all stay safe out there and enjoy all the summertime events going on.

God Bless America.