This is the fourth part of a full Pecha Kucha talk, given November 22, 2012. Read part 1 here, part 2 here and part 3 here.
In 1993 my folks and I moved to Winnipeg, where I was introduced to Donna Lee. I am absolutely certain that I fell in love with her the moment I set eyes on her. And so I married her before someone else beat me to it. It’s very cool to know that wherever I go from here, it will be with her.
She is my heart.
Some nights she’ll fall asleep with her head on my chest, and it makes me feel like Superman, or Brad Pitt, or Han Solo or something.
As romantic as that sounds, the truth is nobody prepares you for life together. Getting to know each other is one thing–the challenges you’ll face, the decisions you’ll make together is another thing altogether.
There’s a song I listen to that describes marriage as “dancing in the minefields”, and I think it captures marriage for what it really is. It’s awesome, it’s scary, and it’s risky. Don’t let anyone tell you that marriage isn’t dangerous. Especially once the kids come along.
Speaking of kids, these are mine.
Seriously, what is it about becoming a parent that messes you up so much? They mess with your emotions. I cry at the movies, I cry during commercials. I can’t even make it through an episode of “Parenthood” without shedding tears.
I cry for my kids, I cry with my kids. Sometimes in sadness, but just as often in times of joy.
I watch them learn and play and am amazed by how much I love them.
I love them, I love them, I love them. This simply cannot be overstated.
Sometimes I see glimpses of my parents in them, or I’ll recognize my sister in Claire’s expression. Other times I see their mother in them. And I’m reminded why I love them.
No family would be complete without a 112 lb dog, so we bought an English Mastiff.
Ginnee is a gentle giant who has more patience with our children than I could possibly dream to have. My son is especially fond of her and to see the way he interacts with her is just amazing. I have much to learn from both of them.
So that’s my family. All five of us under one roof (for now). This would be a great place to press pause – a great place to stop and count my blessings.
