I just mentioned it in passing…. I would like to buy a real camera and dabble in photography.   The conversation was with my firstborn son.  He is an expert on cameras.  He works for a company that leases all kind of equipment to film production companies in Hollywood.  I cannot believe what he knows.  It is mind boggling. 

Several weeks ago, he flew in from Los Angeles.  He and I made the trek to Edmond, OK to assist one of his younger brothers in a painting project.  Daniel and his wife, Jessica, bought their first home.  They are expecting a son in July.  Daniel recruited Dad and Brother Painting Company for assistance.  We spent three days sanding, priming, and painting kitchen cabinets.

Randall chronicled the entire experience in photos that he took with a nice camera.  I marveled at his ability to capture the memories we experienced.  I knew the three of us being together for such an adventure was rare and will be difficult to replicate.

One evening when we returned to the Airbnb where we were staying Randall convinced me that I could learn to use a camera.  I reminded him of the “teaching an old dog new tricks” principle.  He promptly ignored that.  Randall is quite persuasive.  He started trying to persuade me to his way of thinking when he first learned to talk as a toddler. The camera discussion was no exception.  I started asking him about brands, models, and cost.  And I reminded him of his mother’s frugal nature.  We left the conversation that I would do some research.  I considered searching “cameras for old guys.”

Randall flew back to Los Angeles.  I returned to work and promptly got busy.  My photographic ambition was put on a back burner.  And then a package showed up one evening. The box was for an expresso machine. What was Randall thinking? I do not need any more caffeine in my life. When I unpacked the box, I found a camera.  A nice camera… I was stunned. 

My mind was swirling that night at bedtime.  I do not want to disappoint my son!  I want to take great pictures!  But there were other things on my mind….  He listened to something I am interested in and followed up.  Parents do that.  Parents listen to their kids and gift them accordingly.  But I did not know sons did that for their dad.  It is humbling to say the least.  I will use that camera in the same manner that Randall used his on our painting trip. I will capture events we experience together in photos. 

I just started reading Best Seat in the House, by Jack Nicklaus, Jr and Don Yaeger. Nicklaus Jr. is exactly my age.  The book reflects his growing up years with his dad, PGA great, Jack Nicklaus.  I must read it in small doses.  It is causing unexpected emotion for me.  I cannot help but think about my relationship to my own father, who died when I was 15.  And I am reflecting on my role as a dad.  Nicklaus Jr. stresses the value of a father taking the time to listen to his children.  He cites examples of his father listening to him when he was a kid.   In my memoir, I plan to cite the value of a son who listens to his dad… I might even include a picture or two.