My name is Charlie Walker. My lovely wife Andrea and I were married in 2005.
In 2007, we welcomed Emmalee into our world.
She was the first – and only – child for either of us.
I was 49 years old. Andrea was 32.
We recently moved to Florida, where we live in a modest and comfortable home, within our means.
Once upon a time, I was employed as an editor and writer for a B2B publications/communications company. When the company was forced to cut costs, seven people – including me – received our walking papers.
I wasn’t making a lot of money – but enough to make me an easy target for the axe.
The bulk of my occupational experience was in the publishing industry, working nearly 20 years at a newspaper, writing and editing online publications, freelancing …
I wasn’t the first father who found himself in this uncomfortable position: Suddenly unemployed, our role as breadwinner reduced to crumbs.
As they say, when one door shuts, another one opens. I spent time scrambling in “gotta have a job” positions, until I eased myself back into the education field where I now thrive.
The Older Dads/Younger Children web site recounts the ups and downs of men who find ourselves to be fathers, later in life — and the other challenges they face.
There are many, many advantages we share in our later-in-life child-rearing experiences.
Some our funny. Some show the advantage that wisdom – wisdom that comes with life experience – can have.
There are also drawbacks, but they are far outweighed by the joy that fills this very special time in our lives.
I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It makes me who I am and defines my life and future; it makes my wife and me who we are and forges a special bond in our own relationship.
olderdadyoungerchild 
Finally found you. Speaking of long, strange trips, the last year and a half I’ve spent as much time on the floor, and in bed (unable to move on my own) as I have standing, walking and working. Thank God the latter is about to end.
If you haven’t figured out who this is yet it’s the older dad with the younger son.
A little cryptic but lots to catch up on dude.
Later,
Hammer
Yo. I thought I wrote back, but it’s likely I screwed that up
I’m worried about your health – and your pain. You’re too young to go through that.
How’s Aidan doing? He must be about 17 by now. At least that’s what we’re tangling with. Emmalee is 12 going on 17. Snippets from LinkedIn indicate MJ is hanging tough. Call me if you wish. 610 716 5403. (Remember when long distance calls used to cost money?)
Charlie