Another Blessing

It seems you most always have to wait a while for the best things in life. I'm pretty sure little Bennett Shepherd Flanders is worth the wait!

Bennett made his arrival on Friday April 4, 2025, showing up at exactly 2 p.m. He's the first child for our oldest son, Miles, and his bride, Kimberly. And, in my book, he is absolutely perfect, just like his cousins!

This whole grandparent thing continues to amaze me. When I was a kid, it never crossed my mind that I would one day have grandchildren. In fact, up until 5th grade or so, girls were downright gross, so I never gave serious thought to the fact that I'd one day be a husband and then a father. It's hard to be on the granddaddy track if you're avoiding the opposite sex like they've got the plague.

Something happened and those gross girls changed. Marrying one was suddenly rather appealing, though it took a lot of searching to find one who felt the same about me. OK, we got the husband thing taken care of, but being a Daddy still seemed a bit foreign.

Well, that changed, too, not once but twice. Being Regina's husband and Miles's and Cole's father felt like the most natural thing in the world. I think Regina and I both were always one of those couples who, upon having children, couldn't imagine not having them. Our boys were (and are) an absolute blast.

Being a grandparent, though, just seemed so far away. I could never picture myself as being "that old." But, the boys became men and Cole met Alecia at the University of Georgia. They got married a month after graduation, and almost 5 years later, Miss Hazel burst on the scene. And with that, we entered the wonderful world of grandparents.

Our oldest, Miles, took a little longer approach than his younger brother. He met Kimberly in 2020, and they married in 2022. Hazel got a little brother, Alden, in May of 2023. Then, last year, Miles and Kimberly told us to get ready because the family was going to grow again. Which brings us to that wonderful Friday afternoon in early April and the arrival of yet another bundle of love.

Reflecting on this journey leads me to the unshakeable certainty that it really has been blessing upon blessing. Meeting Regina during our last quarter at the University of Georgia. Seeing her smile walking down that long aisle. Hearing Miles's first cry, seeing his first step, even sleeping on the floor when he didn't feel good. Reliving each of those moments three years later with Cole. Playing ball in the yard with them. Going hunting and skiing and hiking. Standing with them as they exchanged vows with the lovely ladies who have graced their lives with wonder and joy. Welcoming these little people who make me a granddaddy and getting to watch my sons and daughters-in-law enjoy this journey of parenting.

How could God continue to give me blessing after blessing after blessing? I'll never be able to express my gratitude, so I simply receive this latest gift, this newest blessing, with a heart overflowing with love.