A Special Party

On Monday, Jorge Hernandez and I hosted a party for brother/son-in-law and father-to-be Ryan Smith. Ryan's son is due around the first of February. A group of Ryan's friends gathered at my house for a "Texas Load 'Em" party. This is a special variation on Texas Hold 'Em; the rules are the same, but the buy-in is a package of diapers. Ryan is a reeeeally good poker player, and it's important that he become equally adept at changing diapers. He'll need a lot more diapers that the guests provided, but it's a start.

It was a great evening: burgers, a football game on in the background, and a lively game of poker. I'm a pretty marginal player, so I was out of the game soon enough, serving from then on as card shuffler and student of the game. As I looked around the table, which included Ryan's father, Dale, I was reminded of how important it is for dads, especially new dads, to be surrounded by good friends and role models.

No matter how well you prepare for parenthood, no matter how much you learn in advance, you'll never know what it's going to be like until you're in it. Because the biggest unknown is your child. You've got to learn as you go. That's why books are important, expert advice is invaluable, but having friends who can come alongside you, encourage you and support you... well, that's priceless.

I've seen Ryan with his niece, Lori Hernandez. If that's any indication, he's going to be a good father. And with a circle of quality guys around him, he'll be a great one.