From Father to Son

Being a dad is the single greatest roller coaster ride in my life. I have 3 kids – 2 sons and 1 daughter. This post is about about a text conversation I had with my oldest son who is quickly approaching the age of 14.

His name is Gabe. He’s a simple kid and typical teenager. One of his favorite classes at school is Advanced Robotics. He loves the planning and building of the team robot. He loves the competitions. He loves repairing and sending the robot back out onto the competition field. He’s good at it.

This year, though, has presented a challenge. There’s a new kid – 7th grader – who has entered the class and has taken the spot as driver. That was my son’s role last year. He did a great job, but, Gabe says this kid is even better.

Gabe has been working hard to reclaim the driver spot for the team. However, he didn’t get it. The teacher named the new kid the driver.

Here’s the text conversation we had on the subject…..

Gabe: “So, the other kid in robotics is driver.”
Me: “Who decided that?”
Gabe: “The teacher.”
Me: “Are you disappointed?”
Gabe: “Yeah. I’m just going to stand in the driver box and show him what he needs to do.”
Me: “You are on the right path in learning how to lead.”
Gabe: ” And our team decided that if he doesn’t do well for the first 2 matches then I am the driver.”
Me: “Proud of your attitude. #buffalowaystrong.”
Gabe: “Thanks.”
Me: “Good leadership being exhibited by you.”
Gabe: “Thanks.”

My son makes me proud. What makes me proud about this conversation is my son’s approach to defeat. Was he disappointed? Absolutely. But, he recognized how he can still serve and lead his team. THAT is the Buffalo Way of STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, and being COMPLETELY USEFUL.

You see, we believe in The Buffalo Way so much so that we teach it to our families. We work to live it in our homes. We live to exhibit it when we are out in public. We desire to teach it to others.

Buffalo strong, all day long.