The Last Days of Summer

Tomorrow, Radha will be starting her second year of preschool.  As I prepare for all of the excitement and challenges that arrive alongside another year of learning, I'd like to take a few minutes to reflect back on what a wonderful time my family enjoyed this past summer.  While not able to take many trips with Radha and I last year, Henry has quickly grown into a little daredevil who refuses to be left behind.  It was obvious that he instinctively knew when a trip to the playground was planned by grabbing his shoes and running toward me while anxiously repeating, "Owtdoo!"  I was so happy to be able to take him along on these trips and watch as he showed off his never give up attitude and physical abilities while interacting with other children.

While our travel plans were restricted due to changes at Reese's job, our family did have the opportunity to journey to Virginia and stay with her aunt and uncle.  The kids had plenty of fun in the sun and I rode on a jet ski for the very first time (and received my very first jet ski related injury) while visiting their house at Lake Anna.  We also got to take the kids to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center.  While not quite prepared to grasp all of the information thrown at them regarding the evolutions of our planet and our nation's aviation history, I think that they both benefited and hopefully gained some appreciation of these attractions.  Locally, the various trips to libraries and a favorite water park/swimming pool rounded out our summer of fun.  As a final hurrah, we took the kids to visit a local railroad where we got to ride on one of the oldest locomotives still in operation and visit with Clifford the Big Red Dog.

As can be expected, there is always a bit of trepidation with the beginning of a new school year.  I know that I should make the best use of that extra time that I'll have four days a week.  It all depends on my time management skills, which I must admit are not the best.  I'll be working to improve them starting with my early rise tomorrow.  Time moves faster and faster with each passing year.  I want to spend those valuable minutes wisely.

The Noble Acts

A lot has happened since that day five years ago when I became the father who would not be able to take his son home from the hospital.  We've grown as a family, yet we will always be one member short.  In the past, this day is usually marked by quiet pensiveness but that's not so much the case anymore.  It's times like these when I am most grateful that I have two kids whose boundless energy won't let me sit down and get lost in sadness.  Even though caring for Radha and Henry limits the time for personal reflection, there are still moments where I wonder how different my life would be were Ronan here with us.  It's impossible to know but I am at peace when imagining such scenarios.  It's proof enough that I should not be saddened by his memory.  He was my son and he is so dearly loved no matter the short amount of time we had with him.

This year, in honor of Ronan's memory, Reese organized a book drive to benefit the local library here in Beavercreek as well as the one in her hometown in Texas.  We're fortunate to have so many friends who have donated books and funds that the libraries will use to purchase other titles.  Each book will contain an inscribed plate noting that it was donated in Ronan's memory.  I am certain that the children reading these books will surely gain a lasting benefit and I can think of no better way of honoring my son than that.  It's times like this that I take note of the noble acts that arise from tragedy.

If there's anything that I've learned by watching my own father, it's that the challenges of fatherhood don't get any easier with age.  My driving goal in life is to be the very best father I can for the two children here with me, no matter their--or my--age.  May Ronan's memory alway strengthen and encourage me in this goal.  I love you, my first born son.

Four Years In

My Radha celebrated her fourth birthday just a few short weeks ago.  The occasion was marked by a small party at home with a few of Reese's co-workers in attendance.  Reese really outdid herself by preparing a wonderful Italian wedding soup and a lemon cake with strawberry frosting, decorated with Max and Ruby on top.  The following weekend, a grand celebration took place at The Magic Castle (a local amusement center) with some of Radha's preschool classmates and other friends in attendance.  There, she was anointed "Queen Radha" and she and her loyal subjects spent a few hours having fun by climbing and sliding through the soft play area and racking up tickets from several redemption games.  I was happy to discover that the soft play area was large enough for me to enjoy as well.  Climbing up and down that structure for an hour turned out to be quite the workout!

As would be expected, another year brings a whole new set of challenges.  Lately, Reese and I have been challenging Radha to engage in more "big girl" behaviors such as not waking us up in the middle of the night after she uses the bathroom.  She has been handling them well, with slight reluctance.  I continue to be so thankful that she loves going to school and has made some good friends there.  That's one thing that I hope will continue throughout her entire schooling journey.  There is no doubt that the challenges of being a parent have increased--especially now that Henry is mobile--but I gladly accept what each new day brings, considering how great the rewards are.  I am so very grateful to have both of these children in my life and as we close in on the fifth anniversary of our first son's passing, it makes me realize even more what a blessing Radha is and how much my soul was healed upon her arrival.  May her joyful, curious, humorous, "can't stop for a second" personality continue to motivate me to provide her with growing opportunities all year long.  I love you, my sweet girl!