This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the profound blessings fatherhood has brought into my life. The beauty of being a dad teaches you to hold the world closer, to cherish small moments, and to shape a legacy of love. Inspired by Letters to My Son by Kent Nerburn—a book that feels like the closest thing my spirituality has to a Bible—I’ve woven some of my own reflections with insights shaped by his wisdom.

“It is my greatest joy to watch you become yourself. But time reveals truths, and these truths are greater than either of us. If I can give them voice in a way that allows me to walk beside you during your days, then I will have done well.” – Kent Nerburn

1. The Joy of Watching Growth

There’s something profoundly humbling about witnessing your child grow, both physically and emotionally. In my little Santa Monica apartment, there’s a doorframe covered in pencil marks, tracking my son’s height over the last four years. It’s one of the most precious parts of our home, a quiet monument to time passing. Every day, I walk past it and remember how much he’s grown—both in stature and spirit. The thought of moving from here pains me because that doorframe holds so many memories of his development, a simple yet powerful reminder of how fleeting and beautiful these moments are.

2. The Chance to Impart Wisdom

Parenting is as much about teaching as it is about learning. One of my favorite rituals with my son takes place during our paddleboarding trips in Marina del Rey. Paddling long distances has a hypnotic rhythm, and I’ve shared with him a mantra I use: soft heart, soft heart, soft heart. As the paddle dips into the water, this rhythm reminds me to approach the world with an open mind and gentle touch. Watching him embrace this practice, even in his own quiet way, is a reminder of how wisdom isn’t just taught but shared through lived experience.

3. The Power of Small Moments

Over time, I’ve learned that it’s not the grand gestures but the small, consistent acts of presence that resonate most. The little moments with my son—whether it’s playing a game, sharing a laugh, or simply sitting together—are what truly matter. I know this to my core because of my own memories with my father. They aren’t tied to big events or flashy experiences but to simple shared moments where his love and presence shone through. These are the moments I hope my son will carry with him, the kind that create unshakable bonds.

4. The Lessons We Learn as Fathers

Fatherhood is the ultimate mirror, reflecting back your strengths and flaws while offering countless lessons. Through my son’s eyes, I’m constantly reminded to recontextualize my priorities. I often find myself frustrated with the inefficiencies of the world—how things could be better, smoother, faster. And then there’s my son, who slows me down in the best ways. I’ll never forget the time he literally stopped to smell the flowers, holding my hand as we stood there. That moment encapsulates his worldview: to take time, to savor what’s right in front of us. It’s a perspective I try to embrace every day.

5. The Legacy of Love

Fatherhood is about storytelling—not just the literal kind but the legacy of wisdom passed from one generation to the next. Each lesson I share with my son is a story meant to help him navigate the world more easily or, at the very least, with more love for himself and others. At its heart, storytelling is about survival; it’s how we prepare the next generation to thrive, to stand on the shoulders of our experiences. This legacy of love, imbued with compassion and understanding, is perhaps the most enduring gift I can give him.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a father—a role that teaches, challenges, and fulfills in ways I never imagined. Each moment with my son is a reminder of the beauty in the everyday and the importance of showing up with love, wisdom, and an open heart.