The boys had a really good day yesterday. Luke in basketball and Liam in swim.

We heard great things about teamwork and character that we try to emphasize when playing their given sport. I’m pretty proud of them. There has been a lot adversity and strife when playing these sports, but that’s probably what makes them come out a little more clean when put through the dirt.

Glad to be their dad and see them develop and enjoy something. I pray that their passion for their sport continues in some form as they grow older.

I still think I have a better jump shot than Luke and can beat Liam in a 25 yd freestyle race.

Love you boys.

-Dad

There’s isn’t much I want to share right now. Feeling a little meh today.

I have to take my mom to the doctor this morning so that’s always an adventure.

Yesterday, we had a discussion with the boys about character vs characteristics. Luke, who was a peanut all growing up, made a comment about Liam’s height after a doctor’s appointment. So I probably got a little more animated and stern with them since it’s a little sensitive for me. Then, I start thinking about things afterwards which probably ties into my mehness.

I don’t know what these things are or where they come from. I’m on a journey to find out.

Sara encourages me and I’m thankful for that, but I have to accept the encouragement.

-mp

Yesterday was a pretty good day. I work from home so I was able to take Liam to the orthodontist. We stopped by Aaron and Sonya’s for a quick grill out and after swim practice Liam was invited to go out to eat with some of his teammates. It was nice.

Luke got word that he finally gets his braces off. That’s scheduled for August 10th!

Sara wasn’t feeling well, most likely because of how hot it’s been lately. She jokes about why can’t we have just normal weather. Just give me normal.

She makes me smile more than she knows and I know she wants the best for us in everything we do. There will more on her and this crazy family.

I went for another morning walk today. That’s 4 days in a row.

-mp

On this day two years ago, my dad went to the hospital and never came back. This post will not convey the sorry and possible regret that we felt that day, but hopefully the leadership that my quiet, sometimes passive brother displayed that day in what would be one of the hardest decisions he would ever have to make.

My dad battled with a myriad of health issues, including oral cancer and double bypass surgery. He lived a life of tobacco and alcohol and in the later years, as things got worse, he looked to those things for healing rather than medical treatment. He passed away 11 days later in hospice alone.

My brother made the call to an ambulance all knowing my dad was passed the window to a potential recovery. The executive decision to get my dad help came from a man who shrugs his shoulders on mostly everything, doesn’t really get angry, and seems to have the same decibel level to his voice despite the circumstances.

He’s older than me by a few years and I was the textbook tag along little brother growing up but as the years past we became closer. I remember this day quite vividly and truly appreciate who my brother is and what he had to do.

This timeframe two years ago can be filled with buckets of tears, but my brother is a reminder how to handle stressful situations with grace, humility and love without meriting credit that he so rightfully deserves especially in the midst of chaos.

Thanks Marc for being an example that I need right now.

-mp

In my line of work, this phrase continues to come up referring to the fact that you can’t do everything at once and good design takes time to implement. The phrase, as cheesy as it is, makes sense from an implementation perspective, but I’m still formulating a plan to implement much needed change. The idea of taking it step by step is intimidating, but knowing all things have a purpose is an appropriate mind set for someone that may feel overwhelmed.

I’ve learned trying to do everything all at once never really turns well. I’m in the process of scooping my pots out of a big body of water and controlling the heat so I don’t leave a trail of scorched earth carnage behind me because I couldn’t control the flame.

Also, in regards to heat, it supposed to be a pretty hot day today.

-mp