The end is nigh

It's a sad fact of life that two hearts that were once so intertwined can grow so far apart. Such is the case for my brother and his wife who are planning to separate. They have only been married for four short years, but recently she has come to the realization that they are incompatible. He says he didn't see this coming and is devastated. I think an extremely small chance for reconciliation exists but that is not the likely forecast. My heart aches for both of them and my mind reaches back four years ago to that afternoon on the Maui coast when the current state of affairs was the furthest thing from their young and blissful minds. I love you both and hope against all odds that this situation can be rectified. Even if it can't, my only wish is that you both find the love again that you once held for each other.

A Kind Heart

Selkie,

I know that for most situations, you must wear an unyielding exterior. But there should be no question as to how giving you are. I am truly in awe. I wish I could be as understanding of others' hardships and offer the level of kindness that you do. You truly give me something to aspire to. I am proud to call you my wife and thankful that you will someday impart this amazing ability on our daughter.

Rice cereal. Guilty as charged!!!

So, the transition to solid foods has had its ups and downs.  It all came to a head earlier tonight.  Honestly, I'm not even 100% sure that rice cereal was to blame for the damming of little Radha's personal waste disposal facility; but something's got to take the blame and from what I've been told, rice cereal is the most likely candidate!  Fortunately, Reese and I had the tools on hand for the job and once the dam broke, peace and tranquility for our little girl soon followed.  A nice warm soak with a new friend (pictured above) seemed to take her mind off of the entire heartwrenching ordeal.  What a relief it was to see our little girl back to her young self.  Thank goodness for a certain gentle relaxing miracle!

My Second Father's Day

On this very special day, I want to take heed from the words uttered in a Bryan Adams song that was popular many years ago:

"Everything I do, I do it for you."

Thank you both for making me a father.  Both of you are loved.  One of you is greatly missed.  The other, may I hold onto you forever.

Get well soon, o' furry one!

     I know things have been rough for you lately.  First it was the ear infection.  Now it is the eye infection.  Not to mention the ongoing allergy issues.  I just want you to know that you are such a vital component of our family.  I know it seems like my attitude towards you has changed since Radha's arrival, but I still love you very much.  Honestly, I don't know what Mom and I would do without you.  You have helped us both through some EXTREMELY tough times.  We want you around for several more years.  We want Radha to know just how big a piece of our hearts you share.  Please get well soon! 

A View of Motherhood. One year later.

     One year ago, I watched as you faced the holiday with all the resolve you could muster.  It was a day you were fully entitled to celebrate, yet he was not there to celebrate it with you.  One year later, you celebrated  your second Mother's Day, and this time she was there.  It was a blessing to watch you stare into her eyes and hold her close to you throughout the day.  You looked so beautifully happy.  Though she was close, I know he was on your mind and in your heart as well.  One year ago I had no idea just how much of a difference one year can make.  I'm glad I got to find out.

Farewell Kevin...

Kevin,

     I heard that you passed away on April 5, 2009 at the entirely too young age of 35.  Thinking back, I remember that time you picked on me in our seventh grade English class and Greg Ledbetter stepped in on my behalf.  I didn't hate you for it though.  There are a few good memories, like that time in '88 when Columbus got one of those random, freak ice storms and my mom's car got stuck in the slush right across from your parents' house.  You offered to help us get it out.  I haven't forgotten the ribbing you gave me when the Dodgers got knocked out of the '91 MLB Playoffs, either.  Can't say I didn't deserve it with the way I was running my mouth in the middle of Braves Nation though.  Anyway man, I know you have a wife and two young children who are missing you more than their hearts can stand it right now.  I've prayed for them every night since I heard the news.  I read your obituary, and it sounded like you lived a full life in the short time you were here.  That's all any of us can ask for in the end. Congratulations on all you achieved.  I hope there are plenty of mud bogs in Heaven.