Beautiful Awakenings: Rockstar Numero 22

I knew when I married him, that Jason would be a very attentive, focused and sensitive father because he was that way as a husband. But I had no idea what this awesomeness really looked like.

Jason understands BALANCE like no one else I've ever met.....he knows how to work hard and how to play equally hard. And is learning very quickly how to say "No sorry, can't do it" is actually healthy for him.

Today I was talking with a friend. The conversation came up that led to, "Well, what do you think Jason is all about?"

And she said, "From what I've seen he appears like a easy going, soft spoken, hands on, rock star Dad."

I thought to myself, I'd never heard him quite described that way..................and then decided to make an entry dedicated to Jason's Awesomeness!!!

It's called LIFE CONTROL - I copied the following right out of our 2005 Christmas letter:

Life Control is a ‘Bacac’ maxim invented by the big Daddy himself. It’s all about the expedition not the destination. Free-flowing, back burner thinking! It’s about doing less and being more….. adaptation, modification and most importantly balance. Going fast enough to get somewhere but slow enough to appreciate everything along the way.

Life Control - The time to relax is when we don’t ‘think’ we have time for it.

to move or proceed smoothly and effortlessly;

to travel without destination or purpose touching at a series of ports;

to go about at random but looking for possible developments;

to fly at the most efficient operating speed;

a relaxed and seemingly automatic pace that is easily maintained for a long distance.

I believe that just as much of motherhood is innate, so is fatherhood. I learned very quickly from Jason by the way he conducts his life, that we don't live to work, we work to live. At one point earlier on in our marriage, I thought it was all about serving others - living to work. I've learned from Jason that we have two hands - one to help ourselves and the other to help ourselves and others. We're no good to the cause greater than ourselves, if we're no good to ourselves.

Sometimes I feel for Jason that he has to bring home the bread while I gather the berries. I feel this because he misses (in person) many of those little quirks and quibbles that Zeke throws forward or is a part of on a daily basis. Although he gets a recap at lunch or at the end of the day (usually from Zeke), I know where he would rather be.

A Day in the Life.....

Jason gets up most mornings before Zeke and one can tell that he's almost waiting for the little guy to stir so he can go into his room to greet him and have an hour of play before work. It's evident that he misses Zeke all hours of everyday that he's not with him. After Jase heads off to work, whether we have anything planned or not, Zeke and I make the excuse of stopping by Dada's work and bringing him a big tupperware full of fruit (one of the many advantages of rural island living). He spoils us so we think it only fair that we return the favor.

Jason comes home everyday for lunch and switches his lunch time according to Zeke's napping schedule (at the moment he waits until 2pm to come home for lunch) just so he can see Zeke and spend that one precious hour he would otherwise lose. This is the one meal in the day where we are assured uninterrupted family time. We love our lunches! And in fact, when either of us are invited for lunch, we usually decline because of this. It's precious time and who knows how long we'll have to enjoy it.

Jason makes sure that most evenings he's home before 6 so that he can spend more time with Zeke (play time, bathing, story time, and cuddling) before he goes to bed. He really does turn into what some would call "Mr. Mom." It's almost unheardof that when Zeke goes to bed at night, that Jason's not there. If he has to work late (which is rare these days, thank goodnes) he always comes home at 6 and then returns to bed after Zeke has been tucked in.

From the beginning, it has been evident that Jason takes his responsibilty for his family very seriously.

Life IS good and life IS easy with Jason. And doesn't Zeke know it too! In a world where we take those closest to us for granted and sometimes praise those furthest away, I'm going to flip the table and share my bliss. Why the heck not? Surprise will be Jason's the next time he opens up our family web page to offer suggestion for 'additions' or changes and sees this. Warm fuzzies are cool for anyone but especially cool when they're given to someone in particular.

Jase, both Zeke and I love you huge....... thank you for the many ways you show your unconditional, endless love toward us...... you ARE truly rockstar trailblazin' cool!

TWO'S A PAIR (and we're not talking shoes)

JASON & ZEKE * JASON & ZEKE * JASON & ZEKE * JASON & ZEKE

Here are some pictures of the pair from the distant (but not so distant) past.

If Zeke could formulate his thoughts and clearly articulate them, here's what I think he would say:

You made sure my first car ride from the hospital was classy but rugged (the way life should be lived) - 2 days old.

You allowed me to be a peace and find balance right from the beginning - 3 days old.

You showed me when necessary it's OK to put my dukes up - 2 weeks old.

You showed me that it's important to support Momma at her swim races - 2 months old.

You taught me special sun pre-caution when getting ready to go to the beach - 2 months.

You taught me when in doubt, tie a knot and hold on. Go whee! - 10 months.

You taught me about gravity and the WHEEEE factor - 10 months.

And take me for walks in strange far off places - Rhode Island - 10 months.

You celebrated my first pumpkin frenzied Halloween with me - 10 months.

You taught me it's important to be patient and when you know it's going to be a long time....to pull up a curb - 10 months.

You took me for a stroll through Boston Common so I could learn how to say 'cah' (car) - 10 months.

And then you taught me how to drive a 'borrowed' car - 13 months.

You lend a hand to celebrate the day I was born - 12 months.

So, I thought it was only right to lend a hand to celebrate the day you were born - 13 months.

You taught me the importance of curiosity and to speak when I need to say something even if it is, 'Doi, doi." - 13 months.

You're always there to cheer me on when I try something new - 15 months.

You've exposed me to open air warm pools in Grandpa's back yard - 6 months .............

And took me back to Madison House (the place I was born) to swim in the pool - 15 months.

You've played airplane for fake and for real! - 17 months.

You taught me how to appreciate Sunday afternoon naps - 3 months.

You showed me how to really play in the water - 17 months.

And replenish my thirst with the good stuff when I need some - 16 months.

You draw attention to things I shouldn't miss............ 13 months

And don't mind if I sometimes tune out - 4 months

You lend yourself nicely to being my foot rest - 4 months.

You pull in the reigns when I need guidance - 7 months.

You allow me to play and enjoy wa-wa - 8 months.

You're my buddy - 9 months.

You help me build sand art from dawn - 8 months........

........until dusk - 13 months.

You're my beach pal who teaches me about the smallest of wonders - 16 months.

And most of all, you make it known through your actions that I'm your focus and I'm well loved - 16 months.

For a Dad who always has his eyes looking into the present and appreciating the here and now.....

Thank you for taking the steps forward into the future with me......

.....and for allowing me a moment to look behind to appreciate all that you bring to my life.

YOU'RE THE GREATEST!

"My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person,he believed in me." - Jim Valvano

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone