A decade! For those of us oldies reading this, ten years isn’t that long at all. Most of us can remember the events of the past decade pretty easily. But for my son, a decade is his entire life. That’s right, Austin turns 10 on Friday. And for an oldie like myself, it has certainly gone quick. Those with young one’s out there, don’t blink, because they might be 10 by the time you realize you’ve missed something (or 20).
I feel so blessed to have such a great kid, or should I say boy (when do I start saying young man?). 10 years ago Monique and I thought we would never have the joy of being parents. And now today, almost 10 years to the day, God has blessed us to be parents of not only a boy, but also a little girl (she’s not 10 yet and so I can still say that). What a blessing this 10 years has been. I like to think I’ve appreciated this blessing since day 1 (and I think I have) but with my condition, I have never felt so blessed and appreciative to have him in my life.
Like any boy growing up, Austin is not perfect (I know I wasn’t). But the many positives far outweigh any negatives. Austin has packed many experiences in 10 years. Whether it was travling to London and San Francisco or heading down the cul-de-sac to play with friends, Austin has always been adventurous.
And now ten years to the day that he was born I couldn’t love him more.
Those of you that have known me a while know that I was a total “surfer dude” growing up. Spiccoli was my idol. My main ambition was skimboarding. You know, the pseudo surfboard thing that you ride along the shore break. I was totally into this. Just about every weekend of my teen years was spent at the beach doing this. I even have proof!
Shredding...
Yeah, that’s me back in the day. I probably couldn’t stand on the thing now. Or if I was able to, my knee would probably rip to shreds again. Anyway, we were preparing to head out to St. Augustine for a couple days recently and Austin out of nowhere told me to bring my old board. I was able to fit it in the car (thanks to my Dad for passing down the “packing” gene) while the whole time thinking I’d just be giving this thing a ride across state in the car and it would never be used. But it wasn’t long before he asked to use it and he wasn’t half bad for a beginner.
As I sat and watched, I couldn’t help but think back on all the good times I had on that board. My buddy Todd and I tearing up Treasure Island. My brother and I skimming in Delaware in December. Me trying to handle the heavy surf in La Jolla, CA while my parents watched. That board had been so many places with me and had been a part of so many good experiences. I just found myself lost for a few moments in thought. Thoughts about how I didn’t truly appreciate those times like I should have. Thoughts about how close me and my brother were and how I miss that. Thoughts about how carefree that time in my life was.
So there was my son. More than 20 years after I sent off to have that board custom made, there he was riding it. I never imagined back when I was riding it, that 20 years later, my little boy would be riding it. I only hope he can take some time and appreciate the moment. I know I certainly appreciated and savored this moment.
I was flipping through the channels last night and just happened upon the original TV version of the Incredible Hulk. I know, it was a slow TV night. Anyway, for those who don’t remember, here is what Lou Ferigno (who would of thought he’d end up in a sit com?) looked like:
As I’m watching this, my daughter who is 5 (ok, we’ll talk later about whether she should have been watching this in the first place) became engrossed in it. She couldn’t take her eyes off of it. You would think she would say he’s scary or why is he green. But all she could manage to say was “Man, that guy has big boobs.” I had to laugh.
I’ve always been so proud of my kids. I’m sure most parents are. This Christmas season, Monique decided to take on doing a children’s musical at our church. What a process that is. But I digress. Anyway, I was in the sound booth helping and was so proud of my little girl doing a solo in front of hundreds of people that I literally had to hold in the tears. Man they grow up fast. I love that little girl.
So, most of the people reading this know I’m a Washington Redskin fan. Have been for as long back as I can remember. I grew up in Martinsburg, WVa which is prime Redskin territory, especially before the Ravens moved into Baltimore. I moved to Florida when I was 10 in 1980. The Buccaneers were the local team and frankly, they sucked and their colors looked like creamscicles.
Not to mention their mascot looked like a gay pirate.
So there was no jumping ship. So I’ve gone through three Superbowl championships and another failed Superbowl bid. Lately I’ve been going through a lot of bad seasons. It’s been tough to be a Redskin fan for sure.
This past Sunday as I’m watching on my NFL Sunday Ticket that I pay way too much for, I’m flipping through various games and would stop on ones that have some sort of relevance to my Skins playoff hopes. So I settle on the hated Cowboys game. As I’m watching I find myself rooting for guys to get hurt. Now before you think I’m an awful person, I’m not hoping they break a neck or something. Just something like a hamstring pull, a pulled groin, or a ruptured spleen. Nothing serious like this.
I constantly found myself doing this as I watched the Giants, the Eagles the Falcons. Every guy that got up limping after a tackle I felt some sort of hope for my team.
I feel pretty bad after these thoughts run through my head. So, is it wrong for me to feel that way or am I just a true fan??? Should I be asking for forgiveness?
So I was watching the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center the other night on NBC. When the following clip came on I couldn’t decide whether to vomit or burst out laughing. Well I definitely laughed and I think I threw up in my mouth a little too. Rosie is pathetic…
So Thanksgiving is next week and I thought I’d get a head start on expressing one thing I’m very thankful for. I don’t say it enough, in fact, I hardly say it all which is unfortunate, but I am so thankful for my wife Monique.
Monique and I met about 21 years ago. Since that time she has become and remains my best friend. I cannot imagine life without her. She loves me with all she has and sometimes that’s not easy. Monique is a wonderful mother to my kids, although she’s very tough on herself when it comes to that. She loves those kids with all her heart and I am so thankful that my kids have such a Mom.
Monique, I know I don’t show it or say it enough, but I love you. And I am so thankful to have you in my life!
