Our baby boy Brady -- born just yesterday -- turns 15 (!) today. Hard to believe, as it certainly doesn't seem like that many years could have passed since we welcomed our first child into the world.
During our recent 2,700-mile family road trip (with a few work stops sprinked in), Brady asked if he could write a story for the Chronicle. "Sure," Tamie and I said. So, Brady interviewed a few teenage volunteers about a homeless ministry, and Tamie posted the story last night.
His first byline came at age 14, if just barely, a fact that should sound impressive if he does choose a news writing career someday. (In which case, if you are a major executive with the world's largest news service, and you happen to read this blog, and yes, you know who you are, you will be expected to find him a nice internship in just a few years, thank you very much.) His first story was much better than mine, which was a piece about my high school band that I wrote at age 16. I guess my bigger concern is that his story is not better than his father's planned feature about this same ministry for the Chronicle's print edition.
Tamie and I will be proud, of course, whatever career that Brady, Keaton and Kendall choose. But we would not mind if at least one of them goes into journalism and carries on the family business. Smile.
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We celebrated Kendall's ninth birthday last Wednesday with a day of roller coasters, water rides and live shows at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Mo. That night, we enjoyed the Royals' game against the White Sox from the cheap seats.
Our camera broke near the end of the trip, so I was forced to take the above picture of Kendall at the game with my cell phone.
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During our trip, we got to see two of my cousins: Kim, in Portageville, Mo.; and Patty, in Washington, Ind. What a treat it was to see each of them. We ate breakfast with Patty at an Amish breakfast buffet, which was a wonderful experience.
4 comments:
I hate to admit that I'd read the article already and didn't notice Brady was the author. Maybe he should take that as a compliment!! Very well-written! Congratulations on your first byline, Brady.
You finally put a name to your "bootheel of Missouri" mention by letting us know you were in Portageville. Since I was born and raised in the "Gateway to the Bootheel" (Sikeston), I was mighty curious to know where you were. Glad you enjoyed your family time. We were able to visit my family in Cape and in Huntsville, AL on our cross-country trek a few weeks ago. It was wonderful.
If the executive to whom you are referring survives the current turmoil in the media industry, and she's in a position to help a second-generation Ross journalist, she would be more than happy to do so.
Hi Karen, thanks for your kind words about Brady! Kim lives in Portageville, where Mom went to high school and lived growing up. We stayed at the Drury Inn in Hayti, where my Grandma Nanney lived when I was growing up. My grandparents on Dad's side lived in Hayward, not even a speck on the map between Wardell and Portageville. We drove by Hayward and everything I remember as a kid was gone. On our way to St. Louis, we went to the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Cape, ate at the Steak N Shake and stopped by the mall briefly. I don't suppose we passed each other somehow then. Ha.
Michelle, I have no doubt that you'll be the last executive standing despite the turmoil. You are much too talented to worry about the future. When you do hire Brady for his internship, he'll require a signing bonus and no midnight-to-8 a.m. shifts. Thanks!
Your oldest is 15? Surely you jest. I figured Brady was more like 18.
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