Our older son, Chad, was in the most important race of his life this past week. He was in the Netherlands for a Team Sunweb 2020 meeting when his wife called from Colorado at 2 a.m. telling him, “Get home now.” Although she wasn’t due for 2 weeks, they were going to induce her labor. He had 22 hours of travel and was still 30 minutes away when Kate was ready to push. This “Wonder Woman” was able to wait until Chad arrived to push. Thanks to prayers from lots of friends and family as well as a friend “enthusiastically driving” Chad from the airport, Chad arrived in time, and Elena Brynne was born 30 minutes after he arrived at the hospital. Kate and the baby are doing well. Chad ended his racing season by winning the race and the biggest and best prize of all. I think he’s still standing on the top podium basking in its glory.

I know “Grandpappy” is just beaming with pride from heaven, seeing his beautiful granddaughter. He’s watching Chad become the father that Chris provided the example for him to become. As the old saying goes, “Like father, like son.” The circle of life goes on.

Years ago, Phillips, Craig and Dean came out with a song that always made me think of Chris and our boys. Here are a few of the lyrics as well as a link to a YouTube video of it:

I Want to Be Just Like You

… I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see

He's got a father in God 'cause he's seen Jesus in me.

Lord, I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be just like me.

I want to be a holy example

For his innocent eyes to see.

Help me be a living Bible, Lord

That my little boy can read.

I want to be just like You

'Cause he wants to be like me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z8bXcBRIU0