This is the second of a series of 10 posts where I will attempt to answer questions that my mother has wished her mother (my Nana) could/would answer. I will not include the explanation on future posts but in short I am answering the questions myself as an experiment in self-reflection:
For what in life are you most grateful?
Wow -- where to start? I have a LOT of things to be grateful for and it is a constant struggle not to take them for granted. For starters, I am grateful for my parents, who were both loving and hard-working to provide my sister and I with the truly wonderful childhood. There may have been times when I went without things I wanted – but certainly not anything that I needed. In fact, I’m grateful to be born in Canada which I believe is the greatest countries to live in the world, a fact that the UN agrees with to an extent on an annual basis – what I mean to say is that Canada is always ranked quite highly among the best countries to live.
In fact, I’m grateful for all my family and friends for a truly blessed existence that I have enjoyed thus far. It is worth mentioning that most of my closest friends I have had for over 30 years, a remarkable feat when you consider that I am only 36-years-old. I have enjoyed a series of interesting jobs which have allowed me to enjoy a comfortable living and met a lot of wonderful people. I have for the most part enjoyed good health and lived a life mostly free from tragedy. I’ve had a lot of great times with a lot of great people – I actually feel a little guilty in retrospect.
Most grateful? Once again, this is for the loving and awesome family unit that my wife and I have created. This team is full of win. Sure, we have problems, but they are a mere pittance compared to what a majority of people encounter. My wife is amazing and an absolute saint to put up with me. My son is an absolute joy to be around – a true rock star. Soon, baby will make 4 …. and it will be these individuals to whom I am most grateful. Anyone who says otherwise is either a liar, essentially flawed or has an unfortunate and miserable life ahead of them. On a somewhat related note, my wife was doing some sorting and cleaning of my beloved office in anticipation of it being transformed into a nursery and came across the following poem that I had written her back in high school - almost 20 years ago:
And Then I See You Smile
If I were a bald man, I would want some hair,
If I were a lion, I would want a lair,
If I were a circus clown, I would want a laugh,
And if I were a hiker, I would want a staff.
But I am just a common man,
With dreams floating through my mind,
My dreams include you my love,
Together for all mankind.
If I were a lonely man, I would want a friend,
If I were a convict, I would want bars that could bend,
If I were a shaggy lawn, I would want a mow,
And if I were a stranded motorist, I would want a tow.
But we are just common people,
Our love floats through the room,
The way I feel for you my love,
I'll carry to my tomb.
If I were a flower, I would want a visit from a bee,
If I were a dummy, I would want a ventriloquist's knee,
If I were a leaky sink, I would want a plumber,
And if I were a schoolboy, I would want an endless summer.
But I am just a common man,
Whose love for you is true,
And though my dreams still float my love,
My only want is you.
Well, for all the years that have past, my feelings and my poetic soul remain unchanged. I truly have a LOT to be grateful for. Until next time, cheers!
