It’s my favorite part of the day.

He bounds through the door, no matter where it is, and says, “Hi, Dad!” And then he rushes to me, throws his arms around my neck and gives me a smack me on the cheek. Then it’s all about how his day went, starting with his conduct at school, then to his tests, what homework he has and most of the time what he had for lunch.

I cherish this time in his life. It won’t be long before he won’t have time for me anymore. I’ll be replaced with best friends and dating and football practice. I won’t be cool.

But right now, I am his hero. And I love it.