This was a monumental week for my family. My father was discharged from his physical rehab facility and a day later, it was time to show him a new version of life we would like him to consider.
We wanted my father to turn the page and begin a new chapter in his beautiful life.
We’ve been working on a presentation for him for weeks.
Based on years of stubborn encounters, we weren’t confident but hopeful nonetheless. It’s far from rare to have an aging parent be stubborn, and my dad is one stubborn ass pollock.
Presenting the slides to my dad was something I’ll never forget. The presentation was built with love and care, burning with our desire to spend more time with him.
My father was incredibly accepting of our invitation, and over the last few days, as I started to clear things out, he has been a class act.
This was an important lesson for me. Even if I have plenty of evidence to suggest something will go a certain way, I must always approach neutral and then do my best.
Process over outcome, if you will.
The energy in the house is… Beautiful. I can’t really explain it, but it just is.
I love supporting my father. I loved doing his fucking laundry. I loved our trip to the grocery store. I loved walking down the aisles trying to find ingredients for dinner and then cooking him a wonderful beef casserole.
My mother would have been very proud of me.
I’m so happy to be at my childhood home with my dad as we turn the page…
Making his life a little easier and just being around him in general has been very fulfilling. I realize I’ve become redundant at this point, but the joy has come out in my writing.
The weekend brought even more great memories. Dinner with my father, my uncle Ron, and my cousin Nick was a first. We shared laughs, memories, and a toast to my uncle Gary (Nick’s dad), who passed away a few years ago.
Even Sunday had a special memory. An impromptu phone call led to a clear cutting project at my lot across the street with Kyle and his dad, Ken. It’s been many years since I did something like that, and man was that a blast. It’s also been a long time since I’ve hung out with Ken, and he is just as cool as I remember.
As I finish my writing, I think it’s important to take it all in. I’m sitting in my childhood home, on the couch in the living room, alone with a fire burning, keeping the room toasty.
I’m reminiscing about an amazing week which ends with a special message:
Today is one year with my beautiful girlfriend, Elizabeth. What a wonderful lap around the sun it has been. You said it best when you referenced that you love how we challenge each other.
That’s the whole point, right? Become the best version of ourselves, together. Pushing each other, in good faith, to be our absolute best.
You’ve trusted me. You’ve trusted my judgement. You’ve trusted my vision… The vision of our lives together.
We’ve laughed a lot this past year. It doesn’t take much for us to laugh, and I love that.
When times got tough, you showed up with compassion. Over the last six weeks, I’ve had you by my side during some of my saddest moments. You’ve listened, you’ve hugged, and most importantly, you’ve loved. Thanks for all you’ve done.
I look forward to our celebratory trip next week and exploring snowboarding together for the first time!
Feeling fresh today as I get into a great week of moving at my dad’s house and working on some much needed Fountain Forward work.
Thankful for another week on the battlefield.
– SJ