Ten years later...

"Go out and make the most of yourselves, graduating class of 2008. You are the future and will do great things......" The words echoed around the South Towne Expo Center as I sat listening (and wrestling with my children) at my brother-in-law's graduation. Ten years have passed since I was told the same thing. "The choice is yours, make the most of yourself."

Have I made the most of things? Have I extended my talents and capacities to make the world a better place?

Truthfully (and regretfully) my first thought was "Wow, what have I done?" I suppose it's because most of our society values power and prestige by how much money you make and how many toys you have. Since I don't have a lot of either of those things, I felt momentarily down and out.

Then I looked down at my kids (whom I was still wrestling with) and beamed at my 3 beautiful kids!!! I have 3 things in my life that will be my permanent mark of success and their names are Josh, Dax and Ella.

I have an indescribable love for these little ones. How do you explain to someone who makes six figures and has the thought of children in the farthest crevices of their little brains that this makes you smile?

Sure, it makes you crazy, but it makes you smile!












How do you describe the joy you feel when you see your one year old daughter devouring strawberries, the juices running off her chin and down her elbows?

How do you explain to someone your thought process when your 2 year old wakes you up, and has no pull-up on (only skid marks in his shorts). Then as you follow the smell and search frantically for its source, you discover that he tried to "clean things up" himself and their is poop ALL over the bathroom and the toilet. How do you explain to someone that your first thought is "Wow, at least he tried!"

DON'T WORRY, NO PICTURES FOR THAT ONE.

How can you explain the laughter you expel when your child is calling you for help because he crawled into the bottom of the stroller and can't get out?



I suppose that unless you experience the joys and pains that children bring, you will never comprehend it.

I am just happy. I am happy that my biggest accomplishment in ten years isn't some fancy degree or a big house or sports car, but 3 little smiles that greet me each new day.