I can't sleep…
Scott Addington writes, “As is often the case, my purpose became clearly evident after I had stopped looking for it. On October 11, 1995, my daughter was born. Beginning with that moment, there has never been the slightest doubt regarding the purpose and source of meaning in my life. Being a father is the most meaningful and rewarding pursuit a man could ever hope to experience.”
~ David Brooks, Hearts Broken Open
Photo: wilstar
Kids are rustling me awake from my mid-morning nap in the backyard.
Dad, Dad, it’s time to open the gifts!
(A flash of Christmas mornings past. Wow, that was quite a nap, Rip. They’ve migrated up from cologne and neck ties. Hmmmm. Right pocket, left pocket, transfer of funds? All within Dad’s pant pockets? Not nice Dad.)
Thank you. Wonderful Gift!
Family sits together for brunch. Scrambled eggs, western style, bacon, sliced peaches, English Muffins (with jam, of course). (Family sitting around the table. Soul warming. How many of these moments are left?)
We head outside. 68º F. Low humidity. Wind gusts at 16 mph. Trees rustling overhead. Zeke is barking, while giving chase to the Frisbee flying to and fro overhead. The Kanigan family exercise for the Day.
I reach for my book. Zeke is sprawled out on the back stoop, basking in the sun, and watching Blue Jays pecking at seed in the feeder. Rachel and Eric shade their eyes from the sun, and their iPhones, as they check their texts. I settle in on the lawn chair with my book. (Front doors unlocked. Families sitting together for meals. Kid’s playing catch with Dad in the backyard, or playing outside with friends. Pick-up games. Fishing. Exploring the mountainside.)
I was flipping through emails after lunch today when I came across an email from a fellow blogger, Alex Jones @ The Liberated Way. Alex is from Colchester, 60 miles Northeast of London in the UK. Not unlike most other blogger relationships, I’ve never met Alex. I’ve never spoken to him. We have traded comments and links over the past month or so. I’ve come to appreciate his posts and his frequent and insightful comments on mine. And the wheels on the blogger bus keep turning. So, when I read Alex’ post this afternoon, I was moved. I was grateful. I was touched. I was humbled. What a wonderful, thoughtful and unexpected gift on Father’s Day. Thank you Alex. You made my day.
Alex’s post reminded me of the great bloggers who had recognized me for various awards. I’ve been a non-participant in the awards process (grist for another future post) – – so, we have Alex to thank for pushing me over the tipping point.
