Brothers Will Be Brothers

This past weekend, I had the great joy of being at my nephew's baptism. The opportunity to be present for the event was something I would not have missed for any reason. Not only was it an important event for my nephew, but also my brother & my sister(-in-law)'s family.

Of all the gifts I have been given, one of the most cherished is the gift of my big brother. It is often said that boys will be boys, but I would like to take that one step further...

...brothers will be brothers. At times as children growing up, we had a love/annoy relationship, but he was always my big brother. Being as close in age to each other as we are, less than 2 years apart, I am sure we challenged to patience of our parents.

As an adult, he has been a point of support & love that goes beyond words. This past Christmas, one of the memorable events was helping him set-up presents from Santa on Christmas Eve for my niece & nephew. It was a gift, however unintended, that was the most meaningful of the season.

He is without question, a big brother, & for that I am grateful for.

No regrets.

Okay, so it is really easy to look at things and see what was not or what did not. I would rather look and see everything that was & did become. Although, my emotions have run high in the past 3 days, I am forever grateful for the chance to open my heart & myself up to another person.

It is not the only how your treat another when you are in a relationship, but also how you treat that same person when you evolve into another chapter.

No regrets. Not ever. Not with you, Mr. Man.

Growth, Family, & Mother's Day

It is not always easy for parents to watch their children, as adults, having to grow and make mistakes, but it is the foundation that was laid down during childhood to will assure the path will come full circle.

During the late 1998 to late 2003, my journey took me down a path of addiction. Throughout my 'sabbatical from life' I distanced myself from my family & those who cared for me. For almost five years, Crystal Meth was the demon that allowed me to not face life. At the point when my standards could not be lowered any further to keep up with my addiction, I was blessed with someone very special who gave me a different option, an option I was finally ready to seek.

For over 6 1/2 years now, I have become a person who has no longer survived, but thrived. I am blessed to have a full life of family, friends, and peace. When I look into the mirror, I see a man that I am proud of. That man is a direct result of the foundation that was laid by my family.

On this Mother's Day, I want to take the time to say thank-you to my mother. Although I wish that no one who cares about me had to feel the ripple of my addiction, I do not regret a single path I went down for it made me the person I am today.

My family, both by blood & by choice, is the most valuable & rich part of my life. For that I am truly grateful.

Choosing Happiness

I had the chance to talk with a friend today. As I listened, he stated that he was worried that he would look back at his life now & regret not enjoying it.

I then asked him what he did to fill his life with happiness. Did he actively pursue it, or wait for it to find him.

Throughout my life, I had periods were I played a passive role in my own happiness. Not today. If I want happiness present in my life, it is up to me to provide it with a place to live. It is easy to say that I work too many hours, or that I am too stressed by things outside of my control. Yet, it is just as easy to find time in the day for happiness to thrive in my life.

It has been told to me before that, 'You are either working towards something or you are working against it.' I try to constantly work towards happiness. Why don't you?!

Naptime

I need a nap.