Male Bonding

As a single mom of a son, I recognize the importance of Alberto having positive strong male role models. There are times that I feel this is more important than other times like when Alberto likes wearing my headbands. I use those moments to remind myself he needs to be surrounded by some testosterone.

Hands down, Alberto's favorite man is Abuelo. Abuelo is the only other person that Alberto will go to. In fact, I will be carrying Alberto and he will go with Abuelo. This does not happen with anyone else!

Alberto and Abuelo: Dynamic Duo

This past week, we were at my brother's house for Isabella's birthday. Alberto quickly lost interest in hanging out with his girl cousins when he had an opportunity for some male bonding.

And when the men went to check out some of the handiwork my brother had done on his house, Alberto followed them without even looking back to see where I was at. It was so cute watching the three of them walk in a line one behind the other.

When I was planning my first visit trip to Guatemala, I talked to my parents on different occasions and both volunteered to go. This was an awkward position to be in since my parents have been divorced for over 25 years, and even though they are friendly, traveling to Guatemala, the hotel accommodations, the stress of the trip, being sequestered in the Marriott, I just didn't think it was a good idea for both of them to go

My dad would speak in terms of him absolutely going. I had to break it to my mom. Much to my surprise, she was elated and thrilled that my dad was going and that she was off the hook (don't ya just love the support!). Oh, Nana got her turn (and let's just say she fell in love and for the first time in her life felt like a grandmother; even though she already had 3 grandchildren).

(Don't we all wish we can look like this at 69?!)

Loving Every Minute of Being Nana!

My dad was a trooper. We would be spending 10 days in Guatemala and I would be stuck in the Marriott. I didn't mind it one teeny tiny bit. My dad was bored out of his mind. He even crashed some bingo tournament or something and won a trip to Tikal. He also was checking out the neighborhood and walked through a small Colom rally and got a t-shirt and was encouraged to vote for Colom that Sunday. And he welcomed every opportunity to go out and do something. And made some friends in the process.

Abuelo feeding Alberto while Mami is getting some breakfast

Once home, my dad and Alberto have had their opportunities for some male bonding. In the summer, we went to my dad's condo and hung out by the pool. And the men (Abuelo and Alberto) got to be men and have fun.

"Come on Abuelo, let's go have some fun in the sun."


"Summertime Fun"


"Ah, reflecting on a great day at the beach"

My dad enjoys working in my yard. I enjoy that my dad enjoys working in my yard! And as is most fitting, my dad is passing along to his grandson the joy of working in the yard. This week, Alberto and Abuelo planted their first tree. It doesn't look like much. But my dad promises that it will be a big tall tree. Right now, it looks like a twig with a couple leaves.

"Yay, we did it"

Alberto and I are both blessed to have my dad in our lives! Yes, the value of a strong positive male role model is not underestimated, taken for granted or unappreciated! As the single mom to a fabulous son, I am hands down relieved, excited, happy, grateful that Alberto gets to have testosterone infused male bonding with a terrific and awesome Man -- MY DAD.