Backlogged, But Still At It

Notes on fatherhood, time, and getting back to the page.

I started this blog back in March as a form of catharsis. A place to process life out loud—both the joyful and the jarring—and maybe offer something that resonates with others navigating their own versions of fatherhood, change, and growth.

And just like that, they're in 10th and 12th grade.

For the first few months, I stayed consistent. The rhythm of writing grounded me. But somewhere along the way, life picked up speed. And the writing… well, it stalled.

Since August, it’s been one meaningful moment after another. Events that have been humbling and validating. And, in the quiet in-between, moments of struggle and sadness, too.

Rocco started his senior year this fall, and with it came his final high school soccer season. It ended in heartbreak—a penalty shootout loss in the state quarterfinal. The game was as exciting as it was gut-wrenching. In the end, Sarah and I are grateful for the opportunity to watch our boys share the field over the last two years, something that noticably strengthened what already seemed to be an unbreakable bond. And while there were tears, they weren’t so much about the result as they were about overwhelming pride.

College applications have been submitted. The next chapter feels closer by the day. And Giovanni continues to grow into himself—emerging as a leader both on the field and within his community.

But the part I’m most grateful for? The boys are still close with Sarah and me. They’re open. They talk. They share. And watching them grow into young men we admire has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.

I’ve learned a lot over the past few months. Too much to capture in a single post. But I’m committed to writing more often again—for the same reasons I started: to share, to connect, to grow.

If any of this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. And if you like the blog, please share it with others.

—KP

PS – I’ve also been quietly building something new: Optima Mindset Coaching. It’s a mindset coaching practice for youth, young adults, and the people who support them. I’ll be sharing more over there through a blog called Mindset Matters. Hope to see you there, too.