Author: charliewalker

The people I grew up with and worked alongside are now boasting and sharing pictures of their cute grandchildren. You could say I chose a different path -- becoming a father at 49! Follow my experiences, thoughts, and random ramblings. Thanks!

Identity crisis: It’s back to (before) Square One, but it’s a full-time gig

May 19, 2015

“You are not your job. “I’ve been telling you that for two years.” My wife and I were surfing the wake of yet another oh-so-close interview that failed to land the job. In the two years since I was drummed out of the ranks of fully employed editors/writers, there have been many highs and lows. I’ve learned, even after … More Identity crisis: It’s back to (before) Square One, but it’s a full-time gig

Compassion? Marking special events can be a royal pain in the …

March 8, 2015

I I must’ve lost track of time in February, somewhere between the Royal Ball, Compassion Day, and Presidents’ Day. Back in my day, February was much simpler. We all know the impact political correctness has had on our habits and holidays since those Dark Ages. This year at my daughter’s school, we dressed up and … More Compassion? Marking special events can be a royal pain in the …

A Tale of Two Mouths: The Tooth Fairy pulls through

January 27, 2015

It sounded like a blog-worthy idea: Similar, coincidental events of reasonable significance overlapping between the 56-year-old and the 7-year-old. Opportunities for a few clever comments, and some deep-thought wisdom. That’s how these blog posts work: An idea presents itself; it crystallizes and then synchronizes my brain and my fingers. Truth be told (shouldn’t it always … More A Tale of Two Mouths: The Tooth Fairy pulls through

For grown-up and kids, Santa’s true home lies between the manger and the mall — deep in our hearts

December 9, 2014

Last week, we had one of those “Yes, Virginia” moments. Knew it would happen eventually. Standing in the supermarket aisle, she turns to me and asks, “Is Santa Claus real?” I wondered if she intentionally phrased the question that way. It wasn’t the standard believe-don’t believe inquiry. Still, my immediate thought was that this would … More For grown-up and kids, Santa’s true home lies between the manger and the mall — deep in our hearts

Tiny daggers to a child’s heart: It’s parents who feel them most — and deepest

November 11, 2014

When your child comes home with one of those little daggers in her heart — or you sense the threat of one — parental instincts move into overdrive. One time while she was in Pre-K, our daughter had spent a great deal of time at home drawing and coloring four unique pictures for four of … More Tiny daggers to a child’s heart: It’s parents who feel them most — and deepest

An old dog struggles to learn new tricks — but refuses to roll over or play dead

October 2, 2014

“Daddy, you smell like Sizzli.” I had just walked in the door after my overnight shift, and we were in the midst of our 3-way turnaround — Mom leaves for work, I get our daughter to the bus stop, and I come home and consider going to sleep. This all unfolds over 10 or so … More An old dog struggles to learn new tricks — but refuses to roll over or play dead

When parents do what they have to do to keep the family afloat

September 7, 2014

We didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up. (Wait — isn’t that what everyone says?) It was a time when Moms stayed at home and Dads earned the paychecks. We had one “previously owned” car. I remember watching my father pull out the back seat and anchor and install seat belts, … More When parents do what they have to do to keep the family afloat

Many things are larger-than-life for children — but it can affect grown-ups, too

August 17, 2014

We were formally introduced to the Tick Trail last Thursday night. As far as I can tell, we all arrived at home tick-free. The Tick Trail represented a piece of my child’s experience at daily summer camp and a bit of my own memories. Each day, dropping her off and picking her up, you could … More Many things are larger-than-life for children — but it can affect grown-ups, too

Today’s news: She reads the paper — beware of what you wish for

June 5, 2014

Certainly I’ve been accused of being a Luddite when it comes to modern communications technology. I prefer to think of it as old-fashioned — a choice I make. That’s why it’s been a source of pride to me that our 7-year-old old has picked up on my interest (devotion?) to reading a printed newspaper. Every time … More Today’s news: She reads the paper — beware of what you wish for

Still unemployed — an unfortunate sign of times, it appears

June 2, 2014

This particular column isn’t really about the joys of being an older father with a younger child. It’s still closely linked to that theme, but it’s more about the serious implications that can occur and cast a shadow over that relationship. One day last summer, I was on my way to a job interview in downtown … More Still unemployed — an unfortunate sign of times, it appears