So, on the fourth of March, the next generation of Tyma came into the world. My sister (in law) Melissa, with the assistance of my brother Peter, brought Owen Walter Tyma into the world. I don't even know how to begin on this. Just writing these words out brings a smile to my face and my eyes start to well up. Of course, as the uncle, I may be biased, but the kid is absolutely amazing. Of course he is - he is Tyma ;-) During that day, I was teaching ... ok, I was actually checking my phone every five minutes for updates, bouncing in my chair in my office (more than usual), and trying to focus on lesson plans and meetings. Not easy. The next morning, I ran frantically to the Cities, slept briefly, then went to see the little one at the hospital, not quite 24 hours old yet. Over the next couple of days, I was able to spend a fair bit of time with him. Don't worry, conspiracy theorists, I have not started indoctrinating him ... yet. Heading back to Omaha sucked; just had to say it.
I don't know how to describe how quickly and permanently things changed for me at that moment. Granted, the chances of me having a child are dwindling, and that is fine. More to the point - I think about how Owen is the 3rd generation of Tyma in our line - and that is it. My father and I talked about how, given our interesting family history, this is a unique moment. For me, I just relish in the fact that I will be able to watch him grow, change, become strong (in mind, body, and spirit), and be part of that experiment. Because, at the end of the day, we are all experiments and processes ... really.
Yeah ... I am a pretty damn proud Uncle! And I will spoil that kid ... but in my own instructive, educational, and disciplining way :-D
