20 Years

Well, today marks the 20th anniversary of my father's passing.  It's really hard to believe it's been that long ago.  I was a 31 year old kid when he passed, just starting to get my feet under me.  Still looking for my path in life. 

So much has happen in the last 20 years.  Some good days, and some bad days.  I still wish each and every dad that dad could have been around for both. 

There have been many times I could have used his wisdom, and many times when I thought to myself "he would have loved this".  I still tear up thinking about how much he would have loved meeting his grandsons. 

I can still see his smile, and hear him whistling.  Oh how he loved to whistle.  I've got a picture of him, holding my dog Dante sitting right next to me on my desk.  I look at it daily and think about all the good time we shared.  I know that is one of the reasons that I am so good to my children.  I hope one day, long after I've left this world, my sons will look at a picture of me and remember all of the great times we had, and feel all of the love I have for them.   If so, my dad did his job.....and did it right.

Rest in peace pop.  I love you.

William

Happy Holidays

It's been a while.  It seems I type that every time I log into this blog.

I wish I still had the motivation to blog like I did in the past.  I loved to tell the stories of our family, and writing about it came easy.  It's not like that anymore.  I struggle for inspiration.

Well, it's Christmas time again.  I am blessed to have the boys this year for Christmas.  I rips my heart out when I'm not around the boys on holidays.  I'll never get comfortable with that. 

We are all looking forward to traveling to Grandma's house for the Christmas break.  It's going to be fantastic to have some vacation time, and spend it with the boys, Mom and my brother.  I certainly need the break.

I'll try to take pictures this Christmas and post them.  It's unbelievable how much the boys have grown. 

Happy Holidays! 

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:"
[Linus drops his security blanket on purpose]
Linus Van Pelt: "for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Luke 2:8-14 KJV]
Linus Van Pelt: [Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown] That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

The Greatest Nation On Earth

As Jack Burton once said "May the wings of liberty never loose a feather"

Another Day Another Month Another Year

I am 50 years old now.  It's hard to believe.  That wonderful birthday arrived last December, along with a nice AARP invitation peeking out of my mailbox about the same time.  AARP......Geesh.....

Where did all the years go?  For the first time in my life, I am starting to feel my age, both mentally and physically.  That thought scares me to death. 

For the last couple of months, I have been devoting on average, about 65-70 hours each week to my job.  It is certainly taking it's toll.  My kids have started telling me that I work too much, and that is never a good thing to hear. (it actually breaks my heart)   Trust me when I tell you that I do not want to work myself to death, but I'm afraid that's what I'm doing. 

Work should not occupy 90% of the hours that I am awake.  It's not healthy.   It's cost me friendships, relationships, and now it's starting to interfere with time with the boys.  I can't have that.

I fought tooth and nail to obtain as much time with Christopher and Aidan as I could.  Even with all the effort, I still had half of their childhood stolen from me.  I'll be damned if I let my job steal any more.

I have never been a "clock watcher" when it comes to working.  I have always done whatever it takes to get the job done right.  I still carry that same work ethic now, but something has to give.  I cannot continue the pace that I currently maintain.

Starting Monday, I am going to turn over a new leaf.  I have to allow time for the few precious important things in my life.  My health and my children.

I am going to start updating this blog more often.  It will serve as my chronicle of change. 

I will still give 100% effort to my job, but only during business hours.  As Harry Callahan once said:

"A man has got to know his limitations"

William