12/31/2025
TPM SHOWCASE #3
Today’s TPM Showcase goes to my first born child and son, Tripton.
If you have a son or daughter, then you know the feeling you get when they first come into the world! If you have lost a son or daughter, or are unable to have children, I am so sorry and I sympathize with you!
I remember walking into the delivery room when they said it was time, and the radio was playing Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself’ and the nurse gently laughed, turned it off, and they got down to business. A few minutes later, my full headed crying wild man Tripton came out as shiny as a dream come true, and I snipped the umbilical cord.
Shortly after, I went out into the 90° September heat of Tucson and the sky was pristine with a stellar view of the mountains and stars. I threw a quick jab and a right cross into the air because I was so excited!
My little man’s ears looked like mine, he weighed the same as me (8lbs, 13 oz) and he was just something special!
That night, I remember putting my hand in front of his mouth to see if he was breathing like every 60 seconds or so, and holding him like he was a fine piece of China . The nurse laughed and said it was OK to hold him tight. He also planted a couple of chocolates that night and I was thankful I had spent time in the diaper game from past experiences.
I am fortunate to share the love of basketball with Trip, and we even got to experience the basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the Christian Laettner camp in Wisconsin together. Maybe one day he’ll be as good as me ha!
We have connected together with sound baths, cold therapy, jumping in the icy waters in Decorah, the Cedar River, and the ice bath trough at the house. We love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, trail running, and fishing together(although he’s the actual fisherman).
Tripton is witty as hell, creative, so thoughtful and caring, loves history, writes beautifully, hates injustice, and is driven to be a philanthropist for good in this world!
There is so much in Tripton that I can’t wait to see come to fruition in the coming years!
Life has rough patches, and we certainly had them during my times of drinking too much. I am not ashamed to share this, and I don’t wish to hide, because it’s been a gift to our relationship.
Tripton’s resilience to inspire me to battle my demons and elevate me to a path of consciousness and clarity is a credit to his loving nature and giant heart!
I love you so much, Trippy Dippy Doo Da Buns!
GO WIN!!!
