Elections. Philosophy. Politics. They all seem so far way right now. I’ve just returned from a 4 day “holiday” where I spent time with my three of my sons, my brother, his wife and daughter, and my “sort of” ex-wife.
I can’t speak for all the other people concerned but I personally had a great time. Never read a newspaper. Sipped copious amounts of wine. Although, I missed my littlest boy, David. Discussed religion and philosophy to the wee hours of the morning while the man in the moon shone down upon us.
Took my eldest son, Alex who just turned 16 out driving. The first thing Alex wanted to do upon turning 16 was get his “G-1” driver’s licence and kept bugging us all to take him out in a car so he could drive. Ah..memories of when I turned 16.
Watched fireworks on a blanket with some of my family. Fireworks that were paid for by a community that volunteered to pay for and not through forced tax dollars.
I sat around a campfire. A campfire in a backyard, where I got to watch my eldest son play the guitar I bought him and listen to him sing his favorite songs. Memories of an idiotic election melted away as the pride in my son grew, listening to him. Wishing I had the same talents he had.
Then, I was entertained for hours by a young teenager who sat around this campfire with 4 old fogies, making us rip our sides as we laughed at his comedy. Colin Murray, you are one hillarious and funny man. The only reason I told you that you needed to leave was because of how late it was, and I had other things in mind for the rest of the night. I could have listened to your stories and incedibly funny take on life for hours longer.
To my sons, thanks. Thanks for being real. Bringing me back to the reality of life. In the end, we don’t give a hoot for fire permits in back yards of private property, and even though the mosquitoes were biting, it was so much fun to sit there with you before you headed off to bed. Alex, you’ve got some great friends too. I had a lot of fun getting to know them better. They obviously like and respect you.
Alex.. you’re the best eldest son a father could ever wish for. I had a lot of fun driving with you, listening to you play guitar and sing. I hid a small tear that appeared on my eye while I watched you.
To my business partner and mother of my youngest son.. thank you for putting up with my travels. Life is weird, isn’t it? But we’re great business partners. And David is an awesome little guy.
To my brother who likes to be dogmatic and who I wish I had the same level of intelligence and thinking abilities that you have, thanks for being a great friend. Maybe it’s an Irish thing.. but there are times I want to punch you in the nose so I can help you donate blood to Red Cross… but I know.. and I know you know.. tomorrow, after our debate has been forgotten, we’re there for each other. It’s also a lot of fun to flirt with your pretty wife.
To James… my 14 year old who travelled back with me.. you’re such a cool guy even though you probably don’t know it yet. Don’t worry.. we’ll make it to the Harry Potter movie. I’m looking forward to it.
To Colin.. who used to be the baby of my family… you’ll have to show me how to gel my hair properly like you do. I’m sorry you weren’t around today when I left for the trip back so I could give you a hug and tell you how proud I am of you.
To my sort of ex-wife… what can I say? We’ve made a ton of mistakes.. but that crush that I’ve had since I was 10 years old… it’s going on 30 years now. I have a great deal of respect for you that goes beyond childish crushes. Thank you for being an awesome ‘ex-wife’. You’re more than a good friend. 30 years… mixed in with a bunch of screwed up thoughts, guilt imposed by others, worrying about what others would think… and we could still dance on your deck. And talk.
I must be the luckiest guy in the world. Awesome family. Awsome friends. Awesome business partner. Awesome kids. Awesome friends.
Yup. I’m the luckiest guy in the world. I only hope I can realize the full reality of that. In the end… what else really matters?