Playing Catch-Up
Dear Aiden and Evan,
I must have sat here a dozen times lately only to walk away with blank screens and frustration. I am only now realizing why that is. Turns out it’s not remotely due to me not having anything to say. Quite the contrary. It’s having my mind and heart so full of emotion for the both of you that it gets the better of me, creating difficulty in getting my thoughts and ideas organized. In some effort to catch up a bit, what follows might be a bit random and disorganized.
Even if not during the snowfall we saw in Yellowstone, I’m sure you have seen images similar to this. The mighty Bison with a face full of snow. But look closer for a valuable lesson. See how the Bison is less covered with the white stuff on his flanks? This is because the Bison intentionally walks into the oncoming storm. In possession of the knowledge that he can do nothing to prevent the inevitable snowfall, he elects to press head on into it, thereby spending less time weathering what he cannot control. Boys, the parallels here for your lives are endless. Challenges will come your way. Some may be welcomed, many will not be. Be patient, press on, be strong, walk with no fear. When in doubt seek wisdom from your creator. He’s empowered the Bison to thrive, he will do the same for you.
Sure, this photograph may depict all smiles… But I distinctly remember thinking to myself… “Oh shit, I’ve gotten us in too deep this time” The Inflatable boat behind us was to ferry us across this lake so we can camp on the mountain tops on the other side. Dropped off, and left for a few days on a patch of ground in Alaska that barely a dozen people visit every few years. Truly something reminiscent of a reality TV show. The way you both stepped up and embraced the challenge made me immensely proud. I’ll never forget the laughs, I’ll definitely never forget the mosquito bites!
Remember the weekend in West Virginia, boys? Everything from antique shops, to barbecue, to caverns,…and even a half court basketball shot made by Evan that cost me $100
And how about Aiden, swimming to the aid of a distressed dog in a remote farm pond. I am so very grateful to string together memories like this with the both of you. The two of you continue to find ways to surprise and impress me, always making me proud.
Keep on adventuring, boys. Do what is best for others, before you do what is best for yourself. Choose the difficult path of love, rather than that of hate, jealousy, or selfishness. Doing what is right is definitely more important than being right.
Neither of you have been called to, or by, the wisdom of this world. I can tell you with absolute confidence… It is no accident you are here, it is not by chance you are my boys.
