I'm Baaaaaaaack

Dear Readers,

I'm sorry for my absence. As most of you probably know, shortly after my last posting at the end of July, my Theia Tina was admitted to hospice, where she spent the last few weeks of her life. Balancing my very minor part in caring for Tina, my obligations at work, my role as a dad, and our move to the new house didn't leave much time for this blog.

Last night, after what can only be described in polite circles as an amazingly stressful and hectic work week (see me quoted in the Trib??), Niko and I were walking Gracie and I came to the realization that I need to get back in the blog saddle and more frequently. I need to do this because I've discovered it's incredibly therapeutic for me.

Next week, if you all don't mind, I'll post something in honor of my Theia Tina. It'll be her 40 day mnemosino (memorial service) on 10/3. I'm not ashamed to say that I'm still dealing with my grief at her passing each and every day. Some days are better than others.

But tonight I want to tell you why my kids are better than therapy.

In a 15-minute walk with Gracie, Niko made a week's worth of really intense stress disappear. How?

1. By telling me a story of how there had been a monster living in the canal, but when it rose up, he kicked the crap out of it - karate chopping it in half!;

2. Running to see a dove perched on the ground near the canal, he stopped in his tracks, turning to me and proclaiming, "Daddy! I think it's an American eagle!"; and

3. Seconds later, jumping a good foot straight into the air when the horse three yards behind him neighed. Upon landing, he turned to me laughing and said, "That scared the bejebus out of me!"

And in those exciting moments of a child's life, the stress and anxiety of grown-up life melted away. And unlike Xanex, Cymbalta, Paxil or any other mood enhancing prescription drug, the only side-effect was my laughter!

Look for a new posting early next week. Thanks.