Family Day - February 2015

Just a very few years ago, British Columbia joined other provinces in Canada to create a new holiday (or as it is from the original Holy-day). Today, February 9th, 2015 is Family Day.

Just over thirty years ago (I can hardly believe it) someone stepped into my life just at the best possible moment, and shifted my thinking about being a parent, forever. I was ‘afraid’ of ever being a parent because I didn’t believe I had any parenting skills and hadn’t had the best mentoring to be a parent.

Susan was patiently persistent. On April 6th, 1988 (only 1 month & 28 days from now) Michelle​ came into our life. Being the first of three she endured all the bumps and scrapes that come with a novice and goof for a Dad. Then on May 8th, 1992, Sarah​ came onto the scene. Then the following year on April 1, 1993, Tim​ would join the brood. Yes all their birthdays are within a month of each other. Although, had it gone according to the plan, Tim would have been born the first week of May. But being the ‘fool’ that he is (the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree they say) he chose to surprise us on April 1!

As an aside and a TMI moment (or perhaps a TIM moment), Tim was born on the same day that I was scheduled to have a vasectomy. It never happened. Phew! I dodged that bullet.

I said just last night, to Sarah, that the three of them (Michelle, Sarah & Tim) are the reason I made it through these last 4+ years…and Gracie too! She makes me laugh every time I see her belt down the hallway going out and coming in from her necessary out-of-door visits.

Although Susan and I have not been together for half of those 30 years now, I cannot express my gratitude, my joy, my admission to her being correct.

Being an awesome parent doesn’t mean that you’re perfect. There’s only one ‘parent’ in the Universe who carries that title.

Being an awesome parent doesn’t mean that there aren’t bumps and scrapes while on the roller coaster of life.

Being an awesome parent does mean that you show up and be the best parent you can be.

Being an awesome parent does mean that when you see you lack in a skill, you learn it.

Being an awesome parent cannot be…without awesome kids.

I love each of you. You terrified me when you came into my life. You honoured me and continue to honour me with this overwhelming title – Parent, Father, Dad….and goof.


Family Day - February 2015