“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”
The above quote is today’s quote from a book my father reads me, that lists a positive quote and story for every day of the year. It is one of those books that is timeless and can be reread and reapplied every year. I thought I would start sharing some of these with each posting. I will concede the fact that today’s quote isn’t exactly the most profound.
There’s something simple yet powerful about a blue sky sprinkled with a few puffy white clouds. It is so simple because it is mostly water and gases, yet so powerful because of the effect it can have on an individual. As I sit outside dictating this message, I sit under a banner of blue beauty. My headache seems to have passed and a few of my worries seemed to have lightened. I find myself spending as much time as I can outside. As I mentioned before, this injury has taught me to recalibrate my expectations. I am more thankful than ever for every beautiful day of weather I enjoy. I still do appreciate a good thunderstorm every now and then. Like U2 sings, “after the flood all the colors come out.”
The past year certainly feels like a flood. My one year anniversary will be this Saturday. I don’t have any real plans although I did ask my mom to pick up a bottle of champagne. I’m sure there will be moments of sadness and despair, but I will be celebrating a year of life that many doctors thought I would not be granted. What a difference a year makes. It’s been tough. At times, it’s been extremely tough. I do hope that every year will be better than the one before it. Most of it will be determined by God, but I expect to also play a role in it as well.
This past weekend, Brady Robert O’loughlin entered the world. I am an uncle once again to a newborn infant. I don’t know if I will ever have kids of my own but I sure love being Uncle Scott, there is something about a child’s laughter and wonderment that rivals a blue sky. I love being around kids and I can’t wait to meet my newest nephew.
A BBQ at my friend Kevin’s house capped off the weekend. Several of my friends were there, some whom I have not seen in quite awhile. There were also plenty of kids who were eagerly willing to assist me with anything I needed. The food was delicious, the music was great and the camaraderie was perfect. I was fortunate for the cooperative weather and for the transportation arranged by my mother.
My childhood- friend-turned-priest, Damian, also paid me a surprise visit. He informed me that the new Bruce Springsteen concert DVD was out. We are both HUGE Springsteen fans. Father Damian is also an excellent guitarist/vocalist when it comes to playing The Boss’ songs. Springsteen is one of the “magnificent 7” – the 7 people in this world I would most like to meet. I’ll let you have fun guessing who the other 6 are/were. So if anyone does have a connection to introduce me to Bruce, feel free to make a phone call on my behalf.
It’s been a busy week thus far and will continue to be, culminating on Saturday with what will be a very special day for me and those who love me. I never got a chance to see the fireworks last year; I can’t wait to see all the colors in the sky this year.
As always, thanks for your prayers and support. Keep ’em coming.