Celebrating Pelicans?!?!?

It is because I am a father that I started this blog. A way to record memories, experiences thoughts, and emotions. I am forever grateful to my children, Sean, Ryne, Aubrey, Jacob, and Joshua for "making" me a father and allowing me the opportunity to participate in their amazing lives.  Time flies....the oldest prepares to leave the nest. Me: "Where is your head about this big move?" Sean, "It is a good thing it is happening so fast..less time to over analyze and over think!"  He truly has me in his blood as we are both over-analyzers.  But what an amazing person he is.  He has so many admirable traits (and a few not so admirable traits!!)  I find myself reflecting on his journey from my perspective.  Good student, great son and brother. His college experience transformed him into a man. He grew in his independence, took care of his business and experienced college at Iowa State University the way it is to be done. I sent him off 5 years ago with my aforementioned advice, "work hard, play hard!"  He did just that as a fraternity member, ATO, university leader and scholar. Following graduation he has had an ever too typical experience. Paid internship with the Beloit Snappers, a Minnesota Twins affiliate.  A few months off between November and January. He had "a cup of coffee" with the Lake County Fielders, and then a frustrating 3 months culminating with taking a job that would provide some income and structure. Prayers were then answered..he was offered and accepted a job with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Texas Rangers Class A team.  CELEBRATE PELICANS!!    He is leaving in 14 hours of this posting. I am so proud, so excited and relieved. But, I am also anxious.  A father is lucky to have a son who teaches him as much as Sean has taught me!  Thoughtful decisions at a young age, trust in others, patience and a stick-to-it determination.  I know he has learned some things from me, those are the things I admire and have learned from him.  Fortunately, I will be able to write similar posts as each of my children grow-up as they have all taught me something. For today, Sean, I love you and admire you more than ever. You are strong, brilliant and loved. I will miss you as a son and a friend but remember, no matter where you lay your head, I am your father and I will always be wherever you are, forever. And by the way,
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD son! I love you!

Oh Momma!

Happy Mothers' Day Eve!  It can be easy to look at Mothers' Day as one of those "Hallmark Holidays"...damn, forgot to get a card!  Anyway, I believe it is much more than that! Mothers are truly amazing people; soothers, sages, and storytellers!  Have a nightmare, a headache, or an awful breakup? "Mom, MOMMY!!!"   They have that unexplainable way of making you feel better, safer, and worthy by simply softening there voice and pushing your hair off your forehead!  Think about it, we have all experienced laying in out beds as young kids breathing normally again because mom was there.  Mom's often teach us how to moderate our emotions. The angrier we get, the sadder we are or the more we have fallen in love, mom teaches us to count to ten, smile even though we don't want to because somehow she knew we would need a chocolate chip cookie before the day ended. Mom also made sure that "that" girl was really worthy of her "favorite" son!
My mom has helped me fix a whole in the wall that I put in it in an angry rage during HS!  My mom has treated me with the respect of complete honesty even when I may have preferred a lie. My mom, just 3 weeks ago, took my hands in hers, made me look in her eyes and promise to get a colonoscopy!  See, my mom is a cancer survivor, defender of her 3 "cubs" and her 8 grandcubs!!!  My mom demonstrated her trust in me by not getting over-involved, letting me learn through natural consequences and expecting me to be able to rise to these expectations even when I didn't deserve that respect or trust!  I love my mother more today than I did yesterday and will love her even more tomorrow.  Tell your mother you love her tomorrow because it's mothers day but prove it everyday by honoring the lessons she taught you throughout your life. Ruth Clement, you are the best and I will love you forever!

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