Merry Christmas 2012 from the Brechts 2012 went by FAST, and I thought it was pretty uneventful, but then I starting thinking: Andrew graduated Deep Run High School and is trying to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up – LOL. I was SO proud seeing my first son walk across that stage and get his diploma. I remember that many years ago and it is tough trying to decide what direction you want to go for the next 40 years or so working. He still skateboards around and plays Xbox with folks around here and across the world…very different than “pong” when I was a kid! Blaine is 16 years old, and is a sophomore at Deep Run High School. He is now as tall as me and taller than Angela, and he likes that. J But, the real story is that he is now driving! Blaine got a job at McDonald’s and he loves having his own money (wait till he gets out on his own and learns all that money goes to other places…LOL). He wants to buy my car and has already worked out an arrangement to buy it in less than a year (of course, at a substantial “Daddy” discount). I really don’t want to buy another car for me, but I applaud his drive and responsibility on figuring this out. Blaine also got an American Bull Terrier, Sadie, who is 30+ pounds and so sweet! She is 4 times Cali’s weight and will get double that as she matures. She is very smart and loving, and Blaine has done a great job training her. So what about Emily Anne? She is 14 and also attends Deep Run High School. They actually have one class together and when the teacher asked Blaine if he had any brothers or sisters, he simply pointed to Emily! Emily has taken a year off cheering, and now has the bug again, so somehow, I will make that happen next year. I really miss her competitions and seeing her learn new skills. Emily also has plans for a car…she told me that if she got certain grades, I should buy her a car…quite different than Blaine’s plan, so we’ll have to see how that pans out…and her benchmark keeps changing…hmmm! My bride completed her first Ironman and crossed the finish line after 14 hours and 5 minutes, and she is quite proud of that, so she continues to do her thing. But the most important thing, and the sadest for 2012, is that her Dad died earlier this year. I heard things about him that I didn’t know, and I was amazed at how many people were at his funeral. It is always interesting to hear what folks remember most, and it is never work, a hobby or sport, but it was the “time” spent with that person. There were no books written about Junior Dix, no accolades, and no public recognition, but he was a man that left a mark on many people, and that was evident as people remembered him.
So for me, it made me think about myself and about others in my life: Why don’t we make more time to enjoy folks while they are with us? Yeah, I know, “the busy” excuse, but really, it is priority, not busy, that makes us pass on those opportunities. What if we put our activities in last place, and put God first, and family and friends second? Would all our lives be different? I believe it would, and I think folks would be happier and less stressful. Over the last few years, I have been more available at home, if for no other reason, than to take that one moment here or there, where the kids want to do something, or share a story, or whatever…because I realize pretty soon, they will scatter... sigh!
My prayer is that we all take this time of celebration, remember the important things, and then spend time doing those important things. As always, may God continue to bless you and yours, as He has ours!
Love, Blaine |
||
 |
 |
|
