At this time..On this planet...In this universe...there is not a happier man alive.
The only other day that I can remember being this elated was on November 21st, 1991. That was the day my FIRST son, was born. I hadn't smiled wider, felt more fulfilled, or was more proud than I was on that day. There was no human on Earth that I could have possibly loved more than my son.
Now, I am blessed with two of these days...Two sons. Two opportunities to reflect on the miracles of this world. Two ways to make all of my problems melt away into oblivion. It is, in a word, Awesome!!! I am a very, very lucky man.
The other night was quite astounding. It went from 0 to 60 in about 5 seconds. LOML was amazing. Nervous, excited, anxious. We sat around for about 5 hours just chillin in the room. the nurses were in and out alluding to the fact that we were probably going home soon to wait it out till Friday. (Scheduled C section) But...Gabriel would have none of that! by 11 or so, it was apparent that this was it!
So...into 2nd gear...prep for surgery. Not quite as easy to mentally prep as it is to physically prep a patient for this procedure. She was NOT expecting this to happen so soon. But....Et Voila! Welcome Gabriel!
My friend Sara came to visit us at the hospital and started to give advise to the little one and
we riffed on this for about an hour. We had fun and laughed a lot. (She is a freakin riot and we share the same caustic humor. she's also a pretty damn good chef)
So...Some advice for the new one...
1. Always listen to your mother. she is ALWAYS right...Your father...not so much.
2. Peanut butter and chocolate is a very good combination.
3. Fall in love...a lot!
4. Dialogue has, and always will, solve more problems than violence.
5. Plain M&M's are much better than peanut
6. The path to self fulfillment is paved with integrity, truth, and honor.
7. Always tell the truth...it's a lot easier than lying.
8. It's ok to cry
9. Laugh...a lot...out loud!
10. Have a sense of humor. If you don't have one...GET ONE
11. Study hard and go to college. Sounds cliche' but, believe me...It's important.
12. Never, EVER, EVER hit a girl!
13. Take care of your body. It's the only one you have and it IS a temple.
14. ...but ice cream is good!
15. Read books
16. Use sun screen
17. "The sure Thing" is the best movie ever
18. Surround your self with lots and lots of friends
20. Hard work pays off
21. Be true to yourself. Be true to your heart.
22. Pear jelly bellies are the best
23. Go outside and play
24. Be passionate
25. Be a Democrat
26. Be good
27. Recycle
28. Don't smoke
29. Don't be afraid to try new things.
30. Always remember that no matter how much you hate your parents...You love your parents!
31. .....and we love you....VERY MUCH
