something positive

I was originally going to call this "Reasons why Jenn Carney is so awesome" because she threatened to stop reading my posts if I didn't post something happier than musings on head injuries and loss...but I thought twice about such a blatant ploy for readership...sorry, Jenn.

This feels a bit self-congratulatory, and that is not easy for me. I am not good at seeking or accepting compliments, but I want to share how proud I am of my children, young adults though they may be.

July is shaping up to be a good month for my progeny. My son Thomas has found a good job, with benefits and opportunities in his field. He'll be doing project management for a local leasing firm, and I am very happy for him. My youngest, Craig, will soon start a quality engineering position locally. He too will have a good salary, benefits, and chances for growth. Caitlin was recently honored at her workplace as an innovator. She is a creative and innovative person who also does not deal well with praise. She felt she totally fumbled her speech...

It is not about the money, although I am pleased that they all will be reasonably well compensated for their efforts. I am pleased because they are wonderful people, good citizens, and hard workers. Thomas is one of the most ethical people I know. He is a good solid person who others admire and respect, I know I do. Years ago he was honored by his principal for standing up to bullies on behalf of a classmate who has some obvious disabilities. He stood by an injured friend after an unfortunate fight years ago, staying with him at a hospital and getting him treatment, He may have saved his life. I am very proud of him.

Craig has turned many disappointments into opportunities. He has applied for many positions in his major field of criminal justice, but has been able to learn quality work in manufacturing through on the job training and self-discipline. As a student athlete I saw him make decisions that benefited his team at his expense. He can be selfless and honorable. I am very proud of him.

Caitlin is a talented designer and technician. She never seems to give herself credit for the skills she has, and she is surprised when others recognize and praise her for them. She may be most like me, we have similar tastes in music and literature and I love spending time with her. She has established herself professionally, bought a home, and I am very proud of her as well.

I cannot ignore Terri's role in making these wonderful people. She took time away from her career to be with them when Craig was small, she has always made time for their games and concerts and events. She has been a wonderful partner to me and a wonderful Mother to my children.

So what? Why should anyone care about some guy's love letter to his children?

I am not asking you to care. I just want anyone who happens across this to know that I am filled with hope for the future when I look at them, when I examine their choices, when I spend time with their friends and significant others. I know I am biased, I know you can write this off as some random rambling by a middle-aged man who should be reading and writing for his own classes, but I wanted to share this. I had to share this.