There are a number of “firsts” in everyones life.  First date, first plane ride, first words. For young men, there is also a first shave.  I don’t remember how old I was when I started shaving, maybe 13 or 14; but I do remember when my father showed me how to do it.  He first shaved himself, then he walked me through the steps and showed me what to do and more importantly, what not to do.

I am not sure why that memory has stuck with me for so long, but it has.  As my boys grew up, I knew the time would come for me to show them what my father had taught me so many years ago.

With our oldest son James, it went exactly as I had thought it would.  James and I both noticed that it was “time” and I showed him the how-tos of shaving that my father had taught me so many years ago.  When the same time arrived for our 2nd son, William, it was a far different story.  When I pointed out his facial hair to him, he didn’t ask me to show him how to shave, he asked his older brother.

I was not upset, far from it.  I was more surprised than anything.

What happened next is a memory I shall not forget.  I think the pictures below speak for themselves.…