BIG LOVE by Papa

Sometimes the intensity of life can manifest at the most unexpected of times. At precisely 4:52 this morning I woke up in tears: it was a moment of pure emotion. I was so filled with love and gratitude for all of the struggle, the grief, the joy of my life. Every blessed moment of parental pride and anger alike--the first baby steps (literally and figuratively), the first words, bike ride, and every shitty diaper flung across the room. Encompassed within, a strange ecstatic joy. 

Choosing this path three times now, with the best wife, friend, and woman a man could ever wish for, we navigate the peaks and valleys of our tiny blip on earth. Now that's a blessing! For a man who has long since made peace with the trappings of religion, I sure do enjoy a lot of spiritual experiences. (If Toby were here, we'd have a good talk about it, as we always do. I am fortunate to have such wonderful in-laws.)

"Keep guest post short," Leah said, so I will. On Nomad's wall it says: "Who should mind the children? That should be apparent." After a perfectly balanced family day this past Sunday, when we were both on the verge of losing it with the kids, I was again reminded what a gift being a parent is, though it often does not feel that way. This is by no means a new realization, just part of the deepening process, insight, exasperation, and everything in between. You need to have children to really feel me here....

Leah and I finished the Big Love series last night. I highly recommend it. The full spectrum of the family and human condition therein. A therapeutic and entertaining way to shift perspective. There will always be someone whose life is far more twisted and dysfunctional than yours: solace. Be grateful for the time with the ones you love, and you'll find that your treasure is here and now; the love of my wife and kids is truly heaven on earth.