When we visited Sweden several years ago to visit with Jeanine’s relatives I remember hearing an expression that has stayed with me to this day. “You are not a man until you have built a house, planted a tree, and fathered a son.” It occurs to me that my role in Maya’s tiny house project satisfies my only uncompleted item from this list. I feel I am also entitled to bonus points for having fathered a daughter as well. Jeanine, I believe, might argue that this list should be expanded to include … “has learned to show empathy, can prepare a meal without the use of a toaster, and understands the consequences of not putting the toilet seat down.”

All this aside, I can say that working with Maya on this project is one of the most satisfying things I have ever done in my life. This photo, courtesy of Kyle, is one I will cherish forever.