Monthly Archives

March 2016

Observations

Thank you

March 29, 2016

When I started this blog over two months ago, it served as an outlet to get all of my thoughts and feelings organized. It allowed me to begin my healing process. I still have a long way to go, but along the way I’ve discovered a lot about myself and how I want to live my life.

What I didn’t realize was the impact my writings would have on others. The countless text messages, phone calls, instant messages and personal conversations letting me know how I’ve changed the way people go about living their daily lives has left me at a loss for words and humbled beyond recognition.

I draw strength from all of you, a strength that allows me to keep climbing. And for that, I thank you.

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Dad-life, Featured, Travel

Captiva – Lightning and Grace

March 24, 2016

A dear friend of mine wrote a beautiful tribute to Laura that she shared during the service. It talked about Laura being lightning and grace. Powerful, full of energy, yet elegant and welcoming to everyone. It’s difficult to put into words the aura that Laura possessed. She glowed, even when she was at her worst. She was a firecracker one minute, then a shoulder to lean on the next.

I miss that immensely. Yet, I see it every single day. I see it in my children, they are my lightning and grace.

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Observations, Travel

Captiva – Empty Chair

March 22, 2016

An empty chair can be esoteric.

Simple, yet complex.

When occupied, it bears the weight of the individual. It serves as a place to share laughter, love and conversation.

When empty, only traces of the individual remain. A worn patch on the wood, or a stain from a spill long forgotten.

Where there was once laughter and conversation, there is only silence. The silence is anything but comfortable.

As time passes, the chair will no longer serve as a reminder of a love lost too soon. It will remind us of the laughter, love and joy it once held.

Until then, it will remain empty.

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Dad-life, Observations, Travel

Captiva – Each Shell has a Story

March 21, 2016

Instead of writing one big post about our trip, I’ve decided to write several observations and reflections that happened while we spent our week in Captiva. It was an amazing trip, filled with mostly great moments. 

Focusing on the future, never forgetting the past.

As the sun slowly set upon the gulf our first night, I stared at my two children while the waves hit their feet. Each time a wave came in, they’d squeal in delight. Watching my children experience the ocean for the first time was something that I will not soon forget. It was beautiful and bittersweet, joy and grief intricately woven into the fabric of my life.

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Observations

Being Vulnerable

March 9, 2016

On the outside, I smile, laugh and put up a strong front.

On the inside, the story is different. There is a war of emotions – joy is battling grief, rage is wrestling with tranquility, and love is dominated by loneliness. But, I’m okay with this.

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Dad-life

A first hero and a first love

March 5, 2016

They are her legacy, her spirit. A symbol of her unconditional love.

A love without limitations. A love without prejudice.

They are my light when there is darkness. A beacon for what the future holds.

They are my children. My heart and soul.

 

Observations

In your eyes

March 3, 2016

In your eyes, I am complete

Laura loved the song, “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. She had it on a license plate when we met and it was the first song we danced to as newlyweds.

I played this song twice for her while in a hospital.

The first being days after her double mastectomy and the doctors wanted to get her back on her feet to get her circulation going. I remember sitting in the hospital room with her and I could see she was in quite a bit of pain and was reluctant to stand up. I reached into my pocket, grabbed my phone and pressed play, I then extended my hand and asked her if I can have this dance. I carefully helped her out of her bed and held her while slowly rocking back and forth to the song.

The look in her eyes while I held her was one that I will never forget.

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