Hey Dad! Want to have a catch?

Absolutely!

I’ve heard many stories of a man who shined the light for my dad and his 3 siblings, of a man who rode motorcycles and watched baseball, who I never got to meet because he was taken too soon. I like to see pictures of him, old pictures taken on a camera no one makes anymore, pictures of him holding my dad and seeing myself in both grandpa and in my dad. I would’ve liked to meet him, grandpa. His name was James Joseph McKibben, and he went by Jim for short. 

He was my dad and was a good man. He would have loved you and your brother (and all of your cousins) so dang much. Knowing that y’all never got to meet each other has been a great pain in my heart and soul. Sometimes when I look at you, I see him. It’s often subtle and easy to miss unless you know what you’re looking for. But I see it. It’s in the eyes. The depth of them. It’s in the way you smile, sometimes wryly and mischievously, much like his smile. 

Knowing that me and my family members possess some of his traits is somewhat comforting, knowing that we carry on who he was because he was not able to himself. I like to think that when we carry these traits, we allow him to live on and see the things he was never able to. For example, I know he would have loved seeing the Houston Astros win two World Series titles both in 2017 and one in 2022. I know he would have loved meeting his grandchildren, he would have loved the family reunions, Alabama and DC and everywhere in between. I know he would’ve been proud of how far the family had made it.  

Couldn’t agree more, Chloe. I often like to think back on every family member who came before us, especially the ones no longer with us, and think about what they would think of us in 2024. The lives they lived… the hardships and experiences they faced set us all on a path that we’re currently walking on and will also one day depart from. Although we can’t see where the trail began or the horizon it will lead to, it’s all the same ground beneath our feet and the same sky above. Love really is an elemental form of energy transference. We pass it on. Love of self. Love of family. Love of big things and small things. Even love of this amazing Astros team. My dad had it. He shared it with me. I have it. I share it with you. 

I believe that is truly why family is so important. We all share blood… experiences. Those who’ve come before us put us on a path that we continue paving for the family after us. Grandpa paved a path for you, dad, and you continue to pave that path for me and my brother. And one day, when the time is right, my kids will continue on that same path that came from you, grandpa, and everyone before. 

That’s really beautiful, my sweet Chloe. I’m not sure which photograph in particular sparked this post, but I’m glad you decided to write about it. I’ve always heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Glad this particular picture sparked a few of our own. You know, your grandpa was a writer. I like writing, too. You’re a beautiful writer, too, Chloe. He’d be really happy that we’re doing this. Can’t wait to see what this site brings. See you soon. 

See you soon!