So much for back. I was waiting, always waiting, a true procrastinator by nature. And apparently pretty OCD. I had a hard time starting without starting from the beginning. I was waiting until I could give the full back brief on the years missed on this blog. Mostly the years to catch up on what I missed posting about Kaylen, pictures, things we love about her, just how much we love her, etc. To touch on our marriage getting tough, but then our greatness coming back with a vengeance and being at the top of our game. But then, life struck, the bad kinds of news. The kick you in the gut and wait for it to come in threes kind of news.... and it did. Maybe we'll get to the back briefs, I hope to get there, to post some pictures these last couple years on here of our beautiful princess who we could not be more in love with. And I'll be getting to the bad news and the hard year in some posts I'm determined to get started soon. But today is Father's Day. And those men deserve a real mention before I can move on.
Today, I have to take the time to appreciate the wonderful men in my life. It goes without saying, that this life provides some bad times with the good and I was not always an easy handful growing up. But I never doubted that my parents loved me. There are plenty of stories that we could touch on about my testing their every patience in the early years, but one of the great aspects of becoming an adult, is that you get to a point where you need your parents in evolving ways. I need their ear, their advice, their presence in mine, their love of my children and of me. It just gets a little simpler. They're much more my friends and my confidants, my rocks. And I have come to really enjoy this phase. Sadly, we're not granted forever in this lifetime with anyone and I've spent a lifetime being anxious about the possibility of losing my parents and this last year has brought me far closer to that reality. So, I'm going to be pretty real most likely in the year to come hopefully on this blog. I want to get my feelings, my anger, my grief, the love, the highs, the lows.... OUT. I need to get them out and somewhere I will be able to look back on some of this journey, but I want to never forget the love and the great memories I have with those I love most. Which is why I have no choice, but to stop procrastinating and making excuses and get back to this blog.
My Dad has always been the quiet type, much likely my grandma. Quiet strength, quiet humor, and wonderful, charming smiles. Always present, always tidbits of advice and encouragement when needed. But there are plenty of times he's not so quiet. He loves to have a good time and laugh and enjoy friends. And he loves to tell jokes and stories. Whether they're ridiculous jokes or a story much about nothing, he has the ability to talk. I definitely got my inability to make a short story short from him. He's busy, there is always much to do. At one of their two houses, things to fix, boats to ready, houses/rivers/pools to prepare, appointments to attend to, errands to run. In their retirement, life has anything but slowed down. It was always impressive to me that all those lists and things to do, for my Dad, were just part of the package. They both worked full time and well into retirement. But things like putting gas in my Mom's car before she'd leave for work in the morning or when she'd get home in the evening, stopping by the grocery store, waxing the boats for summer, yard work at our house, or other properties or just taking us all out on weekends for summer excursions on the boats or family trips, was just all part of the package. Sure, there were times when we would drive them nuts, I'm sure, but the "work" of it all, they never made seem like work. The packing of the food, the making of sandwiches, the packing of the cars, the trips, the flights. I don't recall them making the process difficult. If it was, they often wore it well. We never went without, that's for sure. We were given great lives, and great parents. I was given an incredible Dad, who to this day, is always a sounding board in my life. I love him more than words and when you get that man to smile... which can often be difficult, especially if there is a camera around, can really make a moment and my heart happy. His smile is melting like my Mom's great laugh.
When I met Gregg and my in-laws, I knew I'd struck gold. They are incredible people and welcomed me with open arms. They knew of hard times and personal flaws and loved me anyway. One of my first memories of my father-in-law was a long, serious chat we had after Gregg had gotten on a plane out of Salt Lake City and I was awaiting my flight after my first visit to Wyoming. He is so easy to talk to and so accepting, never judgmental. It's no wonder he became a Pastor because he was born to be the part. And I've been able to enjoy his love ever since. I still get the calls to check in when he knows I could use the support, the prayers and the encouragement. He always checks in and is always an ear when I need it. He is an easy going, calm spirit and I couldn't be luckier to have him as a father-in-law and the wonderful gift he's given me in his son.
Now to close with the rock. The rock that has helped get me through the last 12 years of my life and in particular this last. And I know that this year was just one in the journey, as much as I hate to admit it, there are worse yet to come... along with the best, I'm sure. In all the ways Gregg is an amazing Dad, he is also as a husband. He is funny, loving, playful, fun, and incredibly loyal and protective to all he loves. He is very busy and works very hard, but always makes us a priority as well. He has done well to find a healthy balance through medical school and always takes time for us and for Kaylen. He dotes on her and the princess she is over and over and is very much looking forward to meeting his son in September. He has a big heart and loves deep. Gregg is one of the most genuine and loyal friends I know, to us and everyone he calls a friend. He will be a forever friend to our children as well. He is hilarious and playful. It is one of my favorite things to watch he and Kaylen strike up a battle in the middle of the kitchen or living room. I love that he is so creative, especially with her, as it's something I find I lack. But his strength is something that will continue to get us all through the good and bad times. It has helped me through this last year in particular. He has been my rock and in the posts to come, many will focus on my other rock: my Mom.
Although life has brought a lot of ups and downs lately, I try and take the time to appreciate the many great things in my life at this moment in time. I struggle worrying about the future. But right now, I'm surrounded by my family and many good friends and have to take the time to spend some time in the moments I'm given with them. And grateful I am.
