One Snowy Adventure

A few years ago, I wrote this post, and I think the message is every more important and relevant to me today. Enjoy.

Over the years, I have realized that doing stupid things . . . the types that lead to natural consequences . . . tend to be part of our human existence, and no one is really able to escape this fact. As a young boy in Indiana, wintertime brought with it the joys of playing in the snow and hoping school would be canceled because of a blizzard. This time of year also presented a number of opportunities to explore the nearby woods and pond at the center of our neighbor. Leading into the pond was a small stream that served not only as our local fishery in the summer, but also the whitewater adventures on rafts after a heavy thunderstorm.

I also realize now that the attention span and wisdom of an 11 or 12 year old is often about as short as a blade of grass, and I wasn't exempt from this fact. In the deep of winter I felt one way to demonstrate my manhood was to cross the frozen stream, having absolutely no idea on how think or thin the ice was. I think we all thought the thinner the better because the cracking of the ice as you tried to make it across somehow demonstrate an extreme level or courage rather than sheer stupidity.

On one occasion, we decided to try swinging across the creek on a rope that was designed for summer fun, and in one attempt, I lost my grip and crashed through the ice. Fortunately, the water wasn't that deep, and I was able to pull myself out, but young boys seem to do most things against good reasoning and judgment.

Looking back on that and similar times, I sometimes wonder why in the world I did some of the things I did; I just need to have the same level of patience when dealing with my own kids.

I'm a grandpa . . .

Me, Little Oden, and My Dad

About a month ago, I became a grandpa. My dad and I were out of town visiting other family the days before Oden was born, and my daughter had him on the morning we arrived back in town.

Right now, I relish being a grandfather and doting on the little guy. For me, I can hold him and love him, and when he starts to cry, I can hand him back to his mother.

No, actually. I find it an honor to help . . . even if it meant staying up and caring for the guy while his mom rested. Fortunately, my wife has done a lot of this when our daughter needs help, but I'm ready.

But being a new parent can be scary at times. What if this? What if that?

I wish that my mom had lived a few more months to welcome Oden into the world, but I know that life works in cycles, and the passing one one is often followed by the birth of another.

Life is always changing, and that's what makes experiencing it so exciting.

A Mom's Love

My mom passed away in January of this year from the effects of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and it has been emotionally hard, especially for my dad. If I had been for as many years as they had, I might be able to grasp that.

That said, I remember with fondness the many experiences and positive traits that have permeated into my own life: faith, hope, goodness, and love.

Years ago, some of the family visited Arches National Park in Utah, and while my mom and I were enjoying the view at a famous landmark called Delicate Arch, someone in our group snapped this picture. It is one of my favorite pictures of my mom and me, and it in many ways symbolizes her cheerful spirit.

Miss you, Mom.

Has there been someone  who has had a lasting impact on your life? Please share.

Randall

Lasting Change

From time to time, life has a way of redirecting our very existence, whether we like the path that has been chosen for us or not. I speak specifically of events over which you have no control. Sickness is one of times. When great turmoil happens, we then sometimes promise to ourselves and to our family and friends that somehow our lives will be different. There's nothing wrong with making changes as long as their are lasting changes, those kinds of life modifications that ground us solid to a new way of living that isn't altered simply by new situational shifts.

By staying grounded, family and friends know where we stand and can take faith in us when things get tought.

Parenthood: What are the Secrets?

Well, uh . . . Could YOU share them with me? As an imperfect parent, I certainly have room for improvement. Just ask my kids.

It is said that being a parent is one job you can get without any experience. Perhaps that is true; however, becoming a parent is much different than being one, or rather the biological process of fathering a child is unlike stepping up to the bat every day and being a part of a child's life, especially during the very difficult and challenging times that will come.

I'm not just speaking of the financial challenges of raising children; rather, I also speak of dealing the emotional and social well-being of our kids.

However, what are the real factors that play a part in the "successful" rearing of children? This blog will try to explore these issues and invites you to share your experiences as well.