Looking Around Once in a While

Day 209:

You know Conor, it's really easy to get sidetracked in life; caught up in the day to day that, in the grand scheme, means less and less.  And, to quote Ferris Bueller (movie from the '80s that maybe you'll someday appreciate - then again, maybe not) "Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it."  Certainly words to live by, Son.

Today was one of those days we definitely enjoy and look forward to all year, Conor.  The only downside being, it's a day spent away from you.  But now and again, that's okay too, Boy'O.  Every once in a while a little kid-free time is needed to get the old mind right, and so playing hooky from work, taking a long boat ride to St Michaels, slugging back very cold beer, and picking plenty of fresh hot steamed crabs is just what the doctor ordered.  It's quite literally following Ferris Bueller's philosophy...  Life is moving fast, and I'm not afraid to look around.

And now here I sit, Conor.  Comfortable on the couch in gym shorts and a tank top, All Star Baseball on the television, both you and Mommy off to bed, and I'm content.  Content in the decision to 'take a look around' today.  Content in the knowing that what I have is quite simply, enough.  In fact, it's everything.  And sure, Boy'O, there are plenty of things that I want, and many things I know I'll never have, but then if that's the case, I simply wasn't meant to have them... And I'm content with that, too...  But I'll never, ever lose my zeal for life, Conor, and my great hope is that you never do either.  Because you can never see too much, Son.  You can never hear enough music.  You can never taste enough nectar.  You can never live to much, Conor.  Never.  And all you have to do is remember to look around once in a while...

I love you, Son.
-Dad